Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Sorghastrum

Species:

Sorghastrum elliottii

USDA Symbol:

SOEL3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

150 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

yellow, bronze

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fall Color:

bronze, tan

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from base after fire. Historically maintained by periodic burning in pine savannas and flatwoods.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Prefers open, sunny habitats like prairies and savannas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Light may improve germination. Sow on surface or lightly cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI