Indian grass is a perennial, warm-season bunchgrass noted for its rapid growth during mid to late summer when high temperatures retard the growth of cool-season grasses. It is used mainly for livestock forage in rangeland and pastures, and as a hay crop. Wildlife biologists also rate Indian grass as excellent for nesting and rearing areas. Undisturbed nesting and hatching are possible in pastures of this grass because grazing and haying operations are done after the prime nesting season for most wildlife species.

Indian grass produces a deep, extensive root system and short rhizomes. It can be distinguished from other native grasses, even when plants are young, by its fuzzy stem and a claw-like extension of the sheath. When mature, it has a single, narrow, plume-like, golden seed head.

Growth begins in late April or early May, increasing gradually with higher temperatures. It produces about 70 percent of its annual growth after July 1. If undisturbed, it attains a height of five to eight feet and has good stem strength. Mature, unharvested stems will remain standing well into winter for increased protective cover for wildlife.

Indian grass has been shown to be adaptable throughout Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and the western halves of Kentucky and Ohio. It is native to states east of the Rocky Mountains. Indian grass is suited to all soils, except those saturated for an extended period. Deep, well-drained soils are preferred. One variety of Indian grass recommended for use in Missouri is 'Rumsey.' It was released for public use by the Soil Conservation Service's Elsberry (MO) Plant Materials Center.

Spring seedlings of Indian grass- in April and May- are recommended. It should be seeded in fine, firm seedbeds free of competition. Seedbeds should be firmed with a roller prior to drilling or broadcasting seed. If the seed is planted with the broadcast method, it also should be rolled afterward to help cover the seed. Seed that is drilled should be planted one-fourth inch deep. Seven pounds of pure live seed per acre are recommended.

No-tilage seedings in closely-grazed sod also have been successful where control of sod is accomplished with proper herbicides. In addition, early spring plantings (March and April) and fall dormant seedings (November and December) have been successful. They also provide weed and soil erosion control.

Special rangeland drills capable of seeding light, fluffy seed must be used to plant unprocessed Indian grass seed. Seed processed by removing the appendages with a debearder may be planted with a wide variety of commonly-used, grass-seeding equipment.

Controlling weeds at seeding time is important because grass establishment and survival can be suppressed by weed competition for moisture and sunlight. Weed control must be provided by tillage during seedbed preparation and by mowing. No residual herbicides have been cleared for weed control with Indian grass.

Fertilizer applied during the seeding year usually does not increase stand density, but will increase plant vigor. To limit weed growth, nitrogen should not be applied until mid-July, and then only on stands with limited weed competition. Not more than 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre should be applied at this time.

Stand densities of 1.5 to two established plants per square foot in the spring of the second year is adequate for hay yields or pasture.

Annual fertilizer applications of 60 pounds nitrogen and 30 pounds each of phosphorus and potassium per acre usually are adequate for maximum yields. Rates should be adjusted in accordance with soil tests.

Weeds on established stands of Indian grass can be minimized by maintaining the Indian grass stand's vigor and density. Occasional use of approved herbicides will reduce competition and help restore plant vigor to an overgrazed stand. Burning plant residues at initiation of spring growth decreases competition and stimulates growth. Fields should be burned every three to five years. Indian grass used for wildlife cover also should be burned once every three or four years to reduce excessive mulch accumulations that restrict movement of new hatchlings and attract nest predators.

Indian grass may be grazed when it reaches a height of 14 to 16 inches. It can be grazed continuously as long as a minimum height of eight to 12 inches is maintained. Indian Grass is the latest maturing of the three most common warm-season grass (switch grass and big bluestem are the others). It provides excellent late-season forage. But a fall height of 12 inches should be attained before frost. It may be grazed to a height of six to eight inches after frost. The winter stubble is necessary to provide insulation.

For optimum hay quality and quantity, Indian grass should be cut when it is at boot stage, usually in early August.

For more information about Indian grass, contact the local Soil Conservation Service office. It is listed in the telephone directory under "U.S. Government."

© United States Department of Agriculture

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