Poaceae
Wood grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Also known as Trichachne nutans, Sorghum avenaceum, Rhaphis nutans, Poranthera ciliata
Zones 5–9Sun Full SunWater ModerateCare Low
Native Plants · Native · Prairie · Grass · Drought · Tolerant · Golden · Fall · Naturalized · Wildlife
Pet-safeBeginner-friendlyAttracts pollinators
Currently out of stock everywhereStock updated 9/6/2026
Wood grass is a native prairie grass that's extremely low-maintenance once established. It develops deep roots and becomes very drought tolerant, making it perfect for naturalized areas. The golden fall color and seed heads provide winter interest.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 6 hours
- Watering
- Deep watering to establish roots, then drought tolerant · Every 10-14 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5–7.5
- Temperature
- -20°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
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Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 18 in – 3 ft
- Spread
- 2 ft
- Spacing
- 18 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Green · Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District Of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Honduras, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes
- Attracts
- Birds
Sources: trefle
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