Lopsided Indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum)

Educational Story

Lopsided Indiangrass, Sorghastrum secundum, is a type of bunch grass native to the southeastern United States. It is commonly used in native landscapes and restoration projects. Flower and seed heads produce a showy, one-sided panicle that hangs to one side from a tall stalk when the grass is flowering; thus the name ‘lopsided’. This species is dependent on fire and will not produce viable seeds without it.  It is a larval food plant for the Delaware skipper (Anatrytone logan), dusted skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna) and swarthy skipper (Nastra lherminier) butterflies.

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Gardening Facts

Scientific Name: Sorghastrum secundum
Common Name: Lopsided Indiangrass
Description of facts and concepts: Perennial grass
Seed or division information: Seed, division of clumps
Date of flower’s bloom (Month and week): Late summer, fall, early winter
Ecoregion: Pine flat woods and sandhills
Color of Flower: Golden-brown
Height: Grass blades up to 3 feet; flowering stalk up to 6 feet
Spread:  1 foot
Family:  Poaceae (grass family)
Soil Type: Base to Acidic  Acidic
Soil: Dry to Wet  Dry
Light: Sun to Shade  Full Sun
Zone 8A-11B