James H. Schutte
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Sporobolus heterolepis
Plant Common Name
Prairie Dropseed
General Description
Prairie dropseed is a perennial, warm season grass which produces a mophead of emerald green, hair-like foliage accompanied by tall airy stems of fragrant pink flowers in late summer. It is native to the prairies and grasslands of central North America from southern Canada to Texas.
The long, narrow blades of this clump-forming grass form an arching fountain of foliage which often curls as its ends sweep the ground. The leaves are scented when crushed. In late summer, tall stems bear airy panicles of tiny, pink, fragrant flowers which catch the light beautifully when backlit. These give way to small, tan seeds that drop to the ground in autumn (hence, the plant’s common name). The foliage becomes golden yellow with hints of orange in fall, and turns light bronze and tan in winter.
This grass grows well in full sun to light shade, and is adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Average, moist garden soils are fine, as are hot, dry, exposed sites such as roadside verges, hillsides, or parking median strips. Prairie dropseed is somewhat slow-growing, but well worth the wait. It is particularly handsome grown in huge masses as a groundcover, and also works well in meadow gardens or mixed borders.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 2
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
18"-36" / 45.7cm - 91.4cm (24)
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Width
20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Late Summer
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Native To
North America, Northeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Orange, Gold
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Tan, Bronze
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
