UWRF University of Wisconsin-River Falls Upper Midwest Forages

Indiangrass

Scientific name:Sorghastrum nutans
Cultivars:Holt, Llano, Lometa, Osage, Oto, Rumsey, Tomahawk, Cheyenne
Origin:Mexico
Growth Habit:Bunch type
Life Cycle:Perennial
 
Use
 
Production:Can be used alone or in mixtures for rangeland, pasture and hay.
Nutritive Value:Good protein and Vitamin A. CP decreases as plants mature.
 
Identification
 
Seed Head:Golden brown color; singular, narrow panicle
Seed:Light, fluffy seed with awns.


Yellow flowers
Shoot:3-8' tall
Leaf:Alternate arrangement, blue-green color, narrows at attachment point,
Auricles:Elongated, pointed auricles
Ligule:Membranous ligule
 
Adaptation
 
Soil:Sandy soils, and loam, loamy and clay soils
pH:5.4-6.2
Moisture:Gross best in deep, well drained soils. Tolerant of dry soils, high or low pH and of most textures.
Temperature:Adapted to climates from as far south as the Gulf of Mexico, and as far north as Canada. Requires soil temperature of 50 °F for germination.
Other:
 
Establishment - Management
 
Seeding rate:6-8lb/acre PLS if drilled, 12-15 if broadcast

It is recommended to roll over Indiangrass seed to ensure seed to soil contact.
Seed cost:
Planting date:Early May to late June
Planting depth:1/2-3/4". Should be packed before seeding.
Frost seeding:
Fertilization:
  • Requires moderate amounts of P and K. N is not recommended until after establishment and there is little to no weed competition.
  • Application of fertilizers may begin late in the first summer or early in the second summer of the stand.
    • Grazing:
  • Graze when grass is is 12-16" tall.
  • Should not be grazed below 6-8"
  • Can be grazed until seed head emergence.
    • Hay:6" stubble should be left to ensure winter survival and high production in the spring.
     
    Notes
  • Important to tallgrass prairie structure.
  • Spring burning has been shown to increase digestibility.
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    Photos
    No photos available.