Lopsided Indiangrass
It is inconspicuous until 6-foot tall flower stalks emerge.
By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Lopsided Indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum) is inconspicuous until 6-feet-tall flower stalks emerge in the fall. The flowers and seeds hang on one side, making the stalks look lopsided. They have bronze hairs, reddish bristles, and pollen-laden yellow anthers that flicker in the sun. This perennial bunchgrass is native to the southeast, especially Florida. Found in upland pine communities, lopsided Indiangrass thrives in sandy soil in full sun. Populations have declined with clearcutting of flatwoods forests in north Florida. In a wildflower garden, plant lopsided Indiangrass in the back where the 2-feet-tall grass blades can feed skipper caterpillars until the tall stalks appear in the fall. The seeds feed terrestrial birds. Lopsided Indiangrass is blooming and setting seed now in the northwest garden of Sopchoppy Depot Park.