Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara'
Dwarf Prairie Dropseed
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For a compact version of Sporobolus heterolepis, choose this dapper cultivar. Its fine-textured, green foliage grows in a tight, vase shape that is shorter and more upright than the species. In late summer, airy, scented seed heads rise above the foliage and its blooms are uniform in height. Dwarf Prairie Dropseed’s shorter stature lends itself to foreground plantings, rock gardens, and borders. It is beautiful planted in masses or meadows. Designer, Piet Oudolf, chose ‘Tara’ for the world-renowned Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park. No doubt he appreciated this dwarf’s beauty, low-maintenance needs, soil-and-drought tolerance, and prairie origins. In fall, foliage turns rust-red, and seeds provide food for birds. ‘Tara’ was selected and introduced by Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, WI.
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 (slower than species)
- 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, low-medium rate fertilizer; can be salt sensitive
- 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
- Attractive, drought tolerant, North American native
- Smaller, more upright, and more uniform than the species
- Beautiful golden, fall color
- Tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay
- Thrives in hot, dry areas
- Use in prairies, meadows, native plant gardens, slopes, rock gardens
- Provides winter interest in the landscape
- Low maintenance and deer resistant
- Produces more blooms than the species, in a more consistent height
