Sorghastrum

A new group of plants to us, with only the N. American S. nutans currently growing with us. Most of the 18 species are from the Americas, suiting a warm-growing environment. Perennial, flowering in late summer through to autumn, with copper-coloured flowers, on arching stems.

Tussock-forming species in this genus provide protected environments for the overwintering of beneficial insects such as ladybirds. In their native North America, leaves are the food plants for the larvae of skipper butterflies and the seeds are food for finches and sparrows; while evidence about these values over here is sparse, similar uses are possible here.