Harper, Bonnie L.
Sporobolus heterolepis (Gray) Gray
Prairie dropseed
Poaceae (Grass Family)
Prairie dropseed is a fine-textured, distinctive bunchgrass with leaves that curve gracefully outward forming large, round tufts. Delicate seedheads appear above the tuft in midsummer, rising 2 ft. high. Fall color is tan-bronze. Prairie dropseed is a perennial.
Snow does not flatten the plant, so it is visible even in winter.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AR , CO , CT , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , MD , MA , MI , MN , MO , MT , NE , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , SD , VA , WI , WY
Canada: ON ,
QC Native Distribution: Que. to Sask., locally s. to NC, KY, e. TX & CO; also reported from MT
Native Habitat: Dry prairies
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Dry, sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Slow growing and slow to establish.
A clump forming warm season grass.
Foliage turns golden with orange hues in fall, fading to light bronze in winter.
Flowers have pink and brown tints, but are perhaps most noted for their unique fragrance.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2012-12-09
