Can you eat Indian grass? The surprising truth about Sorghastrum nutans

Despite being a vital food source for livestock and a cornerstone of prairie ecosystems, the seeds of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) are not safe for human consumption, a crucial distinction that can prevent serious illness. This warm-season perennial, with its towering height and beautiful golden plumes, is a valuable ecological resource, but it should never be considered a wild edible for people.

Quick Summary

Indian grass, while a beneficial forage for livestock and wildlife, is not suitable for human consumption due to toxic compounds in its seeds and our inability to digest its fibrous leaves. The plant's primary uses are ornamental, for erosion control, and creating wildlife habitat, not for food.

Key Points

• Not Edible for Humans: Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is unsafe for human consumption and should not be foraged as a food source.

• Toxic Seeds: The seeds of Indian grass contain cyanogenic glucosides, which can release poisonous cyanide if ingested.

• Indigestible Leaves: Human digestive systems cannot break down the cellulose and silica in the grass leaves, rendering them nutritionally useless and potentially harmful.

• Livestock Only: While toxic for humans, Indian grass is a nutritious forage for livestock and wildlife, whose digestive systems are adapted to it.

• Primary Uses: Appreciate Indian grass for its ecological value, including wildlife habitat, erosion control, and ornamental qualities, but not for food.

• Historical Non-Edible Uses: Historically, Native Americans used Indian grass for weaving and medicinal poultices, not for consumption.

Is Indian Grass Safe for Human Consumption?

In short, no, Indian grass is not safe for human consumption. This is a critical safety rule for foragers and gardeners alike. The plant, specifically the seeds of Sorghastrum nutans, contains cyanogenic glucosides, which are chemical compounds that can release cyanide when the plant material is damaged or chewed. This poses a significant health risk to humans if ingested, leading to a host of potential health issues.

While the grass is highly nutritious and palatable for grazing animals like bison and cattle, their digestive systems are specifically adapted to process such tough, fibrous vegetation. Humans, lacking the necessary enzymes like cellulase and the multi-chambered stomachs of ruminants, cannot effectively break down the cellulose in the plant's leaves. This means that even if the toxic seeds were avoided, eating the leaves would provide no meaningful nutrition and would likely cause digestive upset.

The Dangers of Ingesting Indian Grass

Consuming Indian grass in any form can have negative consequences. The seeds are the most hazardous part due to the presence of toxic cyanogenic glucosides. Eating them could lead to cyanide poisoning, an extremely serious condition that can be fatal.

Here's a breakdown of the risks:

• Cyanide poisoning: This is the most severe risk associated with ingesting the seeds. Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, nausea, shortness of breath, and paralysis, with rapid progression in severe cases.
• Digestive irritation: The high silica content in the grass's leaves can be abrasive to the human digestive tract, potentially causing irritation and damage.
• Nutritional deficiency: Because humans cannot digest the cellulose, the body gains virtually no nutritional benefit from the plant, no matter how much is consumed. Attempting to subsist on grass would lead to malnutrition.

Historical and Modern Uses (Non-Consumptive)

Historically, Native American tribes did use Indian grass, but primarily for non-edible applications. The tough, fibrous stalks were strong and versatile, making them ideal for weaving baskets, creating mats, and thatching roofs. Some medicinal uses of the roots, such as applying a poultice to external wounds, have also been documented, but this is distinct from internal consumption. The roots were considered styptic, meaning they help stop bleeding.

Today, the plant is valued for its ecological benefits and ornamental qualities. It is a popular choice for prairie restoration projects, provides excellent cover for wildlife, and its deep root system is highly effective for erosion control.

Comparison: Indian Grass vs. Edible Grasses

To highlight the difference, consider how Indian grass contrasts with common edible grasses from the same family (Poaceae).

Feature	Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)	Edible Grasses (Wheat, Corn, Rice)
Edibility	Not safe for human consumption; seeds are toxic.	Staple food sources for human consumption worldwide.
Toxicity	Seeds contain cyanogenic glucosides.	Non-toxic in their edible forms.
Digestibility	Leaves are indigestible due to high cellulose and silica.	Cultivated for digestible grains, rich in carbohydrates.
Primary Use	Wildlife habitat, erosion control, ornamental landscaping.	Agriculture, food production, culinary applications.
Wildlife Value	Important forage and habitat for livestock and numerous small mammals, birds, and insects.	Often used for animal feed, but their primary purpose is human food.

Conclusion: A Plant to Appreciate, Not to Eat

While Indian grass is a beautiful and ecologically significant native plant, it is crucial to remember that it is not a food source for humans. The combination of toxic seeds and indigestible foliage means that foraging for this plant is both futile and dangerous. Enjoy its role in the natural ecosystem, appreciate its use in landscaping and restoration, and leave the consumption to the wildlife and livestock whose digestive systems are suited to it. For reliable information on native plants, consult reputable resources like conservation websites, such as the Missouri Department of Conservation.

If you are interested in foraging for wild edible plants, always consult multiple trusted sources and ensure you have proper identification before consuming anything from the wild. There are many safe and delicious wild edibles, but Indian grass is not one of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indian grass?

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a warm-season, perennial bunchgrass native to North American tallgrass prairies. It is known for its towering height, blue-green foliage, and golden, plume-like seed heads.

Can animals eat Indian grass?

Yes, many animals can safely eat Indian grass. It is a highly nutritious forage for livestock such as cattle, bison, and horses, and the seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Why is Indian grass toxic to humans but not livestock?

The difference lies in digestive physiology. Ruminant animals like cattle have specialized multi-chambered stomachs and bacteria that can process the tough, fibrous material and potentially toxic compounds that humans cannot.

What happens if a person accidentally eats Indian grass seeds?

Eating Indian grass seeds is extremely dangerous due to the cyanogenic glucosides they contain, which can lead to cyanide poisoning. Immediate medical attention is necessary if seeds are ingested.

Are all grasses inedible to humans?

No, not all grasses are inedible. Many staple foods like wheat, rice, and corn come from the grass family (Poaceae). However, they have been cultivated over millennia for their digestible grains, a key difference from wild grasses like Indian grass.

What is Indian grass used for today?

Modern uses for Indian grass include providing wildlife habitat, controlling soil erosion on slopes, prairie restoration projects, and as a durable, attractive ornamental plant in landscaping.

Is any part of the Indian grass plant safe for humans?

The seeds and leaves are unsafe for human consumption. While Native Americans historically used the roots externally as a poultice, no part of the plant should be eaten, and internal medicinal use is not advised.