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Sporobolus cryptandrus
Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) A. Gray
Sand Dropseed
Poaceae (Grass Family)
Synonym(s): Agrostis cryptandra, Sporobolus cryptandrus ssp. fuscicola, Sporobolus cryptandrus var. fuscicola, Sporobolus cryptandrus var. occidentalis
USDA Symbol: SPCR
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Sand dropseed is a 1-3 ft., perennial bunchgrass, usually in rather small clumps. The large, terminal, open seedheads have long, spreading or sometimes reflexed branches.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Fruit Type: Caryopsis
Size Notes: To about 3 feet in height.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WYCanada: MB , ON
Native Distribution: Coastal New England; Que. to WA, s. to NC, LA, n. Mex. & e. of the Cascades to s. CA
Native Habitat: Roadsides, Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannas
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Sandy soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Desturbed
Conditions Comments: Sand dropseed adapts to most soils but thrives on sandy sites. It is considered an invader on Midwest rangeland where grazing animals prefer it less than other grasses. It establishes easily and is widely used for controlling erosion on a variety of sites.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Provides Nesting Materials/Structure for Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Sow seed.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Order seed of this species from Native American Seed and help support the Wildflower Center.
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | UPL | FACU | UPL | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
North American Native Plant Society - Etobicoke, ON
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallyBibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Sporobolus cryptandrus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Sporobolus cryptandrus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sporobolus cryptandrus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-10-25Research By: TWC Staff