prairie dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
MBG Plant of Merit 2005
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size18 to 24 inches tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Tan
- Foliage color
- Green
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a grass for borders, rock gardens, meadows, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Its fragrant seed heads rise above round tufts in midsummer, and snow does not flatten the clumps. Deer tend to pass it by. It grows slowly and takes time to establish.
Pairs well with Magnus coneflower, Moonshine yarrow, and Nodding onion.
Native range
North America.