Sporobolus heterolepis

Common Names: Prairie Dropseed, Northern Dropseed
 
Soil: Dry-Mesic  Mesic  Wet-Mesic  Wet  
Height: 2 ft - 3 ft
Blooming: Aug Sep

This is probably our showiest native grass. It is a bunchgrass and its leaves gracefully bend over giving it a fountain-like appearance. The flowers/seedheads have a distinctive fragrance; to me it resembles popcorn. A great plant to create borders (for you formal landscapers). The seeds are also relished by birds and mammals. And to top it off, this species will grow in a wide range of soil conditions as long as it receives good sunlight. I recommend burning or clipping this species to the ground every year or two (during dormancy) for optimal growth and flowering.

No photos are currently available for Sporobolus heterolepis. Although we strive to post our own photos of every species offered, we are still missing a few. We suggest either googling for images of this specis or please visit the USDA PLANTS Database for photos/drawings and further information.