POACEAE

Sorghastrum nutans

Common Name:  Yellow Indian Grass, Indian Reed

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habit--Sorghastrum nutans is an herbaceous perennial bunchgrass (do not be fooled by this picture; Indiangrass prefers the open prairie to the woodland habitat) inflorescence in early Fall

flowers--notice the elongate anthers typical of many grasses fruits in Fall

fruits closeup--the fruits have long awns (the thin pointy structures that arise from the top of the bract surrounding the fruit--they are twisted at the base) and feathery hairs--what might these be for?