Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass

Sorghastrum nutans 'MNYG318153'

Nature Hills Nursery

Glowing Golden Panicles Transform Gardens into Radiant Late-Summer Displays
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 4-6 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$58⁸⁶

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Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this grass full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct exposure daily. If planted in too much shade, the stems will stretch and flop over rather than maintaining their upright, vase-shaped habit.
Soil: It thrives in average, well-drained soil and is tough enough to handle clay or sandy textures. However, ensure the site drains well, as sitting in wet, boggy soil can cause the roots to rot.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and consistently during the first season to help the extensive root system establish itself in your garden. Once established, this native grass is highly drought-tolerant, though providing water during long dry spells keeps the foliage lush and prevents the tips from browning.

Pruning Tips

Wait until late winter or early spring to cut the entire clump back to about 3 to 6 inches above the ground. This technique clears away the old, dried foliage to make room for fresh green blades and allows the crown to warm up faster. Leaving the foliage standing through winter adds visual interest to the landscape and protects the crown from extreme cold.

Fertilizer Needs

You generally do not need to fertilize this grass heavily; a single application of a balanced, slow-release formula in early spring is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers or feeding late in the season, as this promotes weak, floppy growth that cannot support the seed heads.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Drought resistant, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Fast-growing
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4-6 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green, Yellow
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Sorghastrum nutans 'MNYG318153'
Species	nutans
Cultivar	MNYG318153
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR, NV, OR, WA

Golden waves of grassy grain – that’s the radiant charm of Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'MNYG318153'). This hardy native lights up late summer and fall gardens with warm, glowing tones! Related to the tallgrass prairies, it’s an easygoing, xeric beauty that grows fast and handles just about anything Ma Nature throws its way.

Developed by the University of Minnesota, this vigorous perennial adds lush texture and motion while creating soft privacy and soothing sound barriers around meditation gardens or seating areas. Its upright olive-green blades turn antique gold in fall, topped with fluffy bronze-golden plumes that dance gracefully through all seasons.

This tough native selection of Indian Grass thrives in USDA Zones 3–9 and stays sturdy with strong, no-flop stems that stand tall even in snow. Reaching 4–6 feet, Golden Sunset™ keeps its color and form well into winter.

Planting and Application:

Use Yellow Prairie Grass for golden accents in borders or as an upright architectural structure among mounding perennials. Create ‘living walls’ for landscape definition, line pathways for dramatic curb appeal, or flank your entryway with glowing sentinels. Perfect for cut flower gardens, rock gardens, and fall décor.

Plant in groups of 3 or 5 for wildlife shelter and natural prairie charm alongside Coneflowers, Big Bluestem, or Little Bluestem. Excellent for erosion control and drought-prone areas!

Golden Olive-Green Blades with Bronze Plumes
Hardy, Adaptable & Easy Native Cultivar
Strong, No-Flop Stems
Ideal for Hedges, Screens & Cut Flowers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Grow in full sun (6+ hrs daily). Water regularly the first year, then enjoy its drought-tolerant nature. Prune back to the ground in late winter or early spring and clear debris to refresh the clump.

Full Sun for Best Color & Form
Any Well-Drained Soil
Xeric & Drought-Tolerant Once Established
Wildlife Friendly & Low Maintenance
Prune Late Winter to Early Spring

Add a touch of gold with the luminous Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass – the glowing accent your garden’s been waiting for! Order yours from NatureHills.com today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass suitable for?

Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass thrives in USDA Zones 3-9, making it suitable for most of the continental United States. This hardy native selection stays sturdy through harsh winters with strong, no-flop stems that stand tall even in snow.

Does Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass requires full sun (6+ hours daily) for optimal color and form. While it may tolerate light shade, the vibrant golden tones and sturdy growth habit diminish without adequate sunlight. Shop at Nature Hills for this stunning native grass.

How often should I water Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass after planting?

Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots. Golden Sunset™ becomes drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Focus consistent moisture on that crucial first growing season, then let this hardy native thrive on natural rainfall.

What plants pair well with Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass in a garden design?

Golden Sunset™ pairs beautifully with Coneflowers, Big Bluestem, and Little Bluestem for authentic prairie charm. Its 4-6 foot upright form provides excellent backdrop structure for mounding perennials in Zones 3-9. Plant in odd-numbered groups of 3 or 5 for best visual impact.

Should I cut back Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass in fall or spring?

Cut back Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass in late winter or early spring, not fall. The bronze-golden plumes provide winter interest and wildlife shelter through the cold months. Prune to ground level before new growth emerges and clear any debris to refresh the clump. Shop this hardy native at naturehills.com.

Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass

Sorghastrum nutans 'MNYG318153'