Grass Sporobolus heterolepis ‘Prairie Dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepis, called prairie dropseed, is a clump-forming, warm season, perennial grass which typically occurs in prairies, glades, open ground and along railroads in parts of the central and western United States and southern Canada. Fine-textured, hair-like, medium green leaves (to 20” long and 1/16” wide) typically form an arching foliage mound to 15” tall and 18” wide. Foliage turns golden with orange hues in fall, fading to light bronze in winter. Open, branching flower panicles appear on slender stems which rise well above the foliage clump in late summer to 30-36" tall. Flowers have pink and brown coloration but are perhaps most noted for their unique and noticeable (some may say pungent) scent that has variously been described as resembling a combination of coriander, popcorn, honey, sunflower seeds, and melted wax. Tiny rounded mature seeds drop to the ground from their hulls in autumn giving rise to the descriptive common name.

Zone: 3 to 9

Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet

Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet

Bloom Time: August to October

Bloom Description: Pink and brown-tinted

Sun: Full sun

Water: Dry to medium

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Ground Cover, Naturalize, Rain Garden

Flower: Showy, Fragrant

Leaf: Good Fall

Attracts: Birds

Other: Winter Interest

Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Erosion, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Black Walnut, Air Pollution