Douglas County Conservation District                                                                         ~Helping People Help the Land~                                                                                                            

by promoting projects through education to further the long- term sustainable   use of natural resources balancing the needs of agriculture and urban growth

                

                                                                            PO Box 688, 7519 E. Hwy 86, Franktown, CO 80116

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 Yellow Indiangrass
Sorghastrum nutans

Native to approximately eastern two-thirds of U.S. including the Great Plains states.  Warm season, bunching, sod-former.  Culms 3 to 5" tall.  Wide leaves up to 24" long.

 
Preferences Thrives on deep moist soils, from clay to coarse sandy textures.  Tolerant of moderate salinity and moderate acidity.  Fair drought tolerance.  Tolerates some flooding, underground water tables, imperfect drainage.  Is winter-hardy, adapted from near sea level to 7000' elevation.  Starts growth in late spring and matures in late summer or early fall.    

 
Uses Used in mixtures for graze forage and hay production.  Often in pure stands or in mixtures with bluestems, and switchgrass.  Manage to give periodic rest during growing season.  Very palatable in summer.  Tolerates winter grazing but not as palatable.    

 
Planting Plant seed 1/4 - 34" in firm seedbed.   Weed control may be necessary by cutting or herbicides.  Protect new seedlings from grazing until plants are well established.