NAME: INDIAN GRASS    Sorghastrum nutans  
DESCRIPTION:
  Leaf:  1.5 cm wide blade that depart the stem at 45 degree angle.
Flower:  Yellowish spikelets borne in pairs.
Present late July and August.
Stem:  Height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters.
 

DISCUSSION:
  Native, warm-season perennial grass is codominant with Big Bluestem once the backbone of the Illinois prairie.  These two species sent their roots deep into the glacial till and formed the rich soil of the midwest.  Once the steel bottom plow was developed, the prairie was doomed.
 
 
 

DISTRIBUTION:
  Grows throughout the United States, especially adapted to the true prairies.
 

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COPYRIGHT:

© Copyright 2002, L&T Natural Images and Madsion Jr. High, all rights reserved. Contact information: email at lcwik@naperville203.org or tcoutts@naperville203.org

REFERENCES:

Mohlenbroch, Robert H., and John W. Voigt.  Prairie Pants of Illinois.
Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 1985.

Young, Dick.  Kane County Wild Plants and Natural Areas.  2nd ed. Geneva, Il:
Kane County Illinois Forest Preserve District, 1994.

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