Native Plant Trust

Sporobolus heterolepis

prarie dropseed

This grass is used equally by restoration ecologists and horticulturalists, favored for its value as a tall, dry-loving groundcover with great ornamental value. The emergence of the seed heads is accompanied by a change to golden foliage in fall.

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Height: 12-36 in
Spread: 12-18 in
Hardiness Zone: 3-9


Bloom Color: Non-Flowering

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Sun
Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Average
Dry
Ecoregion
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(58) Northeastern Highlands
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
Fall Foliage
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Songbirds
Host Plant
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Tolerance
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Salt Tolerant
Drought Tolerant
Urban Environment
Additional Attributes
Erosion Control/Soil Stabilization
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Naturalize
Massing
Meadow garden
Rain Garden
Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit
Orange to Brown Fall Foliage


North American Distribution


prarie dropseed - Sporobolus heterolepis from Native Plant Trust
prarie dropseed - Sporobolus heterolepis from Native Plant Trust
prarie dropseed - Sporobolus heterolepis from Native Plant Trust
prarie dropseed - Sporobolus heterolepis from Native Plant Trust