Sorghastrum nutans
low
tan
summer to autumn
3 to 5 ft.
2 to 3 ft.
Yes
prairies and eastern United States
sun
USDA zones 3-8
hardy to 7,000 ft.
Indian grass is a clumping, native, ornamental grass with bluish green leaves. Golden brown spikelets appear above the foliage from midsummer into autumn. In fall, its leaves turn yellow-orange.
Indian grass is very well adapted to Colorado Springs' erratic weather changes. It can be a nice choice for a low-maintenance landscape that features native plants.
Indian grass has grown well at the Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens. It has a nice blue-green color during the summer and showy seedheads in fall. Also, the clumps stay upright in adverse weather.
Cut down previous year's leaves and stems in spring before new growth appears.