Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Grass (Native Species)

Chris Grondahl photo: Indiangrass (inset shows head of grass
Chris Grondahl Indiangrass
(Sorghastrum nutans)
Distribution: central and eastern North Dakota
Habitat: commonly associated with big bluestem in deep soils
Description: Warm season, perennial tallgrass. Seeds are in dense, elongated, spikes at the ends of the stem. Golden-yellowish in color.
Height: 2-6 feet
Plant uses and other interesting facts: Indian grass is a favorite forage for livestock and makes good hay. Lakota name for Indiangrass translates to "red grass with fluffy light-colored end."

Previous Grass -- Little bluestem
Return to Grasses
Next Grass -- Sideoats grama