DCHP-1 Online
Indian grass Obs. 
a species of North American grass, Sorghastrum nutans, used for basket-making by eastern Indians; sweet grass.
- 1826 (1832) As the month advanced . . . the harvest was got in; the Timothy grass pretty good, but the Indian, or wild grass of the pea species, a poor crop to mow.
- 1850 There is a grass, abundant here, of a strong and agreeable perfume, and called Indian grass. It is often made into ornaments for sale.
- 1916 They landed at the place where Hamilton now stands, a swamp district overgrown with Indian grass.
- 1826 (1832) As the month advanced . . . the harvest was got in; the Timothy grass pretty good, but the Indian, or wild grass of the pea species, a poor crop to mow.