Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie DropseedSporobolus heterolepis
Prairie DropseedThis heat tolerant, elegant native grass is easy to grow in almost any soil, from rocky to clay, and is very long-lived once established. It forms a graceful clump of finely textured, emerald green leaves that take on gold to orange tones in fall. Wispy panicles carrying fragrant inflorescences are an important food source for birds.
Plant Details
- Zone: 3 - 8
- Height: 24-36"
- Spread: 24-36"
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Soil Moisture: Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
- Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
- Bloom time: Early Fall, Late Summer
- Foliage Color: Green Shades
- Flower Color: Brown Shades
- Fragrant: Yes
- Good Cut Flower: No
- Native: Native Species
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Rabbit resistant: No
- Bee-friendly: No
- Attracts butterflies: No
- Attracts hummingbirds: No
- Groundcover: No
- Roy Diblik Favorite: Yes
Plant Details
- Zone: 3 - 8
- Height: 24-36"
- Spread: 24-36"
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Soil Moisture: Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
- Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
- Bloom time: Early Fall, Late Summer
- Foliage Color: Green Shades
- Flower Color: Brown Shades
- Fragrant: Yes
- Good Cut Flower: No
- Native: Native Species
- Bee-friendly: No
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Rabbit resistant: No
- Attracts butterflies: No
- Attracts hummingbirds: No
- Groundcover: No
- Roy Diblik Favorite: Yes
Grower Information
Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants vary widely by type. Cool season grasses are generally best planted in the fall prior or in late winter/early spring in the greenhouse. Warm season grasses can be planted in spring and summer for same-season sales. Sedges grow best when planted in spring and summer rather than the fall prior.
Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants grow well in a wide range of growing media types, provided there is adequate moisture-holding capacity and good drainage. While getting established in their finished containers, most prefer to be kept moist, but not saturated.
- PowerPlug Size(s): 32s, 72s
- Optimal Planting Time: Spring
- Retail Sales Window: Fall, Summer
- Moisture in Production: Average, Low
- Requires Shade in Production: No
- Vernalization Required for Bloom: No
- Vernalization Beneficial: Yes