Sorghastrum nutans 'Golden Sunset' is a striking cultivar of Indiangrass selected for its strong upright habit and golden bronze plumes. Its blue green foliage takes on copper and orange hues in fall extending its ornamental interest into winter.
Height & Spread: 48 - 72 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soils; tolerates dry, rocky, or sandy sites
Watering Needs: Low; very drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Sorghastrum nutans, which is native to much of eastern and central North America. 'Golden Sunset' is a garden selection with improved ornamental qualities.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Host plant for caterpillars of butterflies such as the Pepper and Salt Skipper and Northern Broken Dash.
Birds
- Songbirds and sparrows feed on the seed heads in late fall and winter, while the tall stems offer shelter and nesting sites.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow for full mature spread and upright structure.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent as a structural feature in native meadows, prairie gardens, or as a vertical accent in mixed perennial beds. Also effective in erosion control and mass plantings for habitat restoration.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) - Provides soft lavender blooms that contrast with golden grass plumes.
- Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star) - Adds upright purple flower spikes and supports pollinators.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Offers bright orange flowers and benefits Monarch butterflies.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Complements with blue foliage and fall color in native designs.
- Heliopsis helianthoides (False Sunflower) - Adds summer color and thrives in the same dry, sunny conditions.