Sorghastrum elliottii

Sorghastrum elliottii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Sorghastrum
Species:
S. elliottii
Binomial name
Sorghastrum elliottii
Synonyms[1]
  • Andropogon nutans Muhl., 1817
  • Chrysopogon elliottii C.Mohr
  • Sorghastrum apalachicolense D.W.Hall

Sorghastrum elliottii, commonly referred to as slender Indiangrass, is a species of perennial graminoid found in North America.[2]

Description

Sorghastrum elliottii possesses culms that range in height from 0.4 to 2 m (1.3 to 6.6 ft) and scaberulous blades that reach a length of up 60 cm (24 in) and a width of 10 mm (0.4 in). Sheaths are normally glabrous with scarious margins.[3]

The panicles are elongated with smooth, purplish rachis and peduncles that range in length from 1 to 20 mm (0.04 to 0.79 in). Spikelets occur in pairs; they are ovoid in shape and are between 5 and 8 mm (0.2 and 0.3 in) in length. When grain is produced it is reddish in color, 2.5 to 3 mm (0.10 to 0.12 in) in length, and ellipsoid to obovoid in shape.[3]

This species possesses fibrous roots.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Within the United States, S. elliottii may be found in the southeastern region of the country, its range stretching from Maryland south to Florida and westward to Texas.[5] It has been observed as far north as Indiana.[6]

This species may be found in habitats such as in river-scour environments, as well as forests and woodlands.[5]

References

  1. ↑ "Sorghastrum elliottii (C.Mohr) Nash". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 2026-05-13.
  2. ↑ Weakley, Alan S. (2015). Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States. University of North Carolina Herbarium.
  3. 1 2 Radford, Albert E.; Ahles, Harry E.; Bell, C. Ritchie (21 December 1968). Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press. ISBN 978-0807810873.
  4. ↑ "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  5. 1 2 "Sorghastrum elliottii (Slender Indiangrass) - FSUS". fsus.ncbg.unc.edu. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  6. ↑ "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2025-10-20.