Wood grass (Sorghastrum nutans, J.K.Small, Fl. S.E. U.S.: 66 (1903))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (L.) Nash

Bibliography: J.K.Small, Fl. S.E. U.S.: 66 (1903)

Year: 1903

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sorghastrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. & C. America

Description

Wood grass, scientifically known as Sorghastrum nutans, is a perennial grass species famed for its hardiness and adaptability. This resilient plant, which was first minutely described by Nash based on Linnaeus’s initial classification, stands as a significant component in the ecosystems of North and Central America. In these regions, it thrives across diverse environments, from open prairies to the edges of woodlands.

Notably referenced in J.K. Small’s authoritative work on the flora of the southeastern United States in 1903, Wood grass plays an integral role within its habitat. It is a member of the Poaceae family—a vast family encompassing some of the most ecologically and economically significant grasses.

Sorghastrum nutans is renowned not only for its ecological contributions but also for its aesthetic appeal. The plant often grows to impressive heights, showcasing slender, arching leaves, and its distinctive seed heads, which turn a golden-brown hue in the fall, lend a graceful charm to the landscapes it inhabits.

Ecologically, Wood grass is a keystone species within prairie ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a multitude of wildlife. Moreover, its dense roots help stabilize soil, preventing erosion and promoting nutrient retention, thus supporting the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem.

From a conservation perspective, Sorghastrum nutans has grown in prominence due to its adaptability and its role in habitat restoration projects. It is often used in rewilding efforts to restore native grassland habitats, helping to rebuild soil structure and support local biodiversity.

In summary, Sorghastrum nutans, or Wood grass, is much more than its common name might suggest. This grass symbolizes strength and resilience, reflecting the ecosystems it supports, and stands as a testament to the intricate balance of nature.

Common Names

Eng: indian grass, wood grass, yellow indian grass, yellow indian-grass, yellow indiangrass, indiangrass
Fra: faux-sorgho penché, sorgho changeant
Swe: indiangräs
En: Wood grass, Yellow Indian grass, Indian grass, Indiangrass, Bushy bluestem, Indian Woodgrass, Woodgrass, Yellow indian-grass, Yellow Indiangrass
Zh: 印第安草
Da: Gul Indianergræs
Fi: Kultaintiaaniheinä
Fr: Faux-sorgho penché, Sorgho changeant
De: Goldbart-Gras, Indianer-Gras, Indianergras
Ml: ഇന്ത്യൻ ഗ്രാസ്സ്
Nv: Tłʼoh łichííʼ
Sv: Indiangräs

Synonyms

• Poranthera nutans ((L.) Raf.)
• Sorghastrum avenaceum ((Michx.) Nash)
• Poranthera ciliata (Raf. ex B.D.Jacks.)
• Andropogon rufidulus (Steud.)
• Sorghum nutans subvar. avenaceum ((Michx.) Roberty)
• Sorghum nutans subsp. avenaceum ((Michx.) Hack.)
• Andropogon albescens (E.Fourn.)
• Sorghum nutans subsp. linnaeanum (Hack.)
• Sorghum nutans ((L.) A.Gray)
• Andropogon arenaceus (Raf.)
• Holcus nutans ((L.) Stuck.)
• Chalcoelytrum nutans ((L.) Lunell)
• Trichachne nutans ((L.) B.R.Baum)
• Chrysopogon avenaceus (Benth.)
• Chrysopogon nutans var. linnaeanus (C.Mohr)
• Chrysopogon nutans (Benth.)
• Andropogon nutans var. linnaeanus (Hack.)
• Digitaria nutans ((L.) Beetle)
• Holcus nutans var. avenaceus ((Michx.) Stuck.)
• Andropogon nutans var. avenaceus ((Michx.) Hack.)
• Chrysopogon nutans var. avenaceus ((Michx.) Coville & Branner)
• Sorghastrum linnaeanum (Nash)
• Sorghastrum flexuosum (Swallen)
• Stipa villosa (Walter)
• Andropogon confertus (Trin. ex E.Fourn.)
• Sorghum avenaceum ((Michx.) Chapm.)
• Andropogon linnaeanus (Scribn. & C.R.Ball)
• Sorghum nutans var. elongatum (Hack.)
• Chrysopogon minor (Vasey)
• Rhaphis nutans ((L.) Roberty)
• Sorghum nutans var. genuinum (Hack.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 2, 2014 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by muc gro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by Matthew Card (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by David Hammond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Hannah Heart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Cody Thompson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Konstantinopoulou Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by EOL − jdavisz (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 22, 2014 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Haug, E. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2015 by EOL − Nina (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 2015 by EOL − Nina (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Apr 1, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by ellenelle ellenelle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by David Hammond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2014 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Aug 17, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 5, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 13, 2013 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Laurie Tanenbaum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Hannah Heart (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2704414)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:240823-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.0