Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie Dropseed
General
A warm-season perennial grass native to North America, known for its fine texture and graceful appearance. It typically forms dense clumps of narrow, arching leaves that grow up to 2-3 feet tall and wide. In late summer to early fall, it produces airy panicles of small, fragrant flowers followed by distinctive seed heads that add ornamental value to prairies, meadows, and naturalistic landscapes.
Plant Description
Characterized by its fine-textured, arching leaves that form dense clumps. In late summer, it produces airy, open panicles of small, fragrant flowers that mature into delicate seed heads, giving the plant a graceful and elegant appearance in its native habitats.
Height (ft)
2-3'
Soil moisture
Dry to Moderately moist
Soil types
sandy loam, loam, clay loam, well drained
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Full Sun
Bloom color
Orange
Bloom period
Mid to Late Summer
Drought tolerance
High
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Ranging from eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) southward through the eastern and central United States, including states like Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Ojibwa tribe used the crushed roots in a poultice for wounds and a decoction of the roots as an emetic.