Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie Dropseed
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Prairie Dropseed was one of the major components of the Midwestern prairie, and it is now a popular landscape plant—with good reason. It is perhaps the most ornamental of the native prairie grasses. It grows in a clumping shape with deep green narrow leaves that arch downward. In July, Sporobolus heterolepis sends up numerous stalks with delicate, open panicles shooting up over the clump. In fall, foliage turns a beautiful coppery orange color, which later fades to cream. Prairie Dropseed makes a lush, gorgeous lawn alternative with its mounded habit. It emits an unmistakable aroma some say resembles a cross between cilantro and fresh roasted nuts. Easy, beautiful, and hardy to a wide range of zones, its flowing look is a great choice for mixed plantings, meadow or prairie plantings, and contemporary landscapes.
Zone
4-9
Growth Cycle
Warm
Features
- Native to North America
- Notable Fall Color
- Drought Tolerant
- Erosion control
- Green Roofs
- Lawn Alternatives
- Meadow/Prairie Plantings
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: slow-medium
- Grow in 1, 2 or 3 gallon containers
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Watering: keep dry to moist; do not overwater
- Fertilizing: use a slow release, medium-rate fertilizer
- Possible pests: aphids
- Overwintering: cold frame with clear poly; do not overwater
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- A fantastic lawn alternative
- Drought tolerant, native plant
- Beautiful orange fall color
- Airy panicles in July add movement
- Deer resistant
- Clumping habit provides interest in mixed plantings or as an undulating ground cover
