Sporobolus heterolepis – Prairie Dropseed

Description

Sporobolus – Dropseed – Rushgrass

There are about 100, annual and perennial grasses in this genus. They are found naturally occurring in central valley grasslands and prairies of Western North America. They are grown for their narrow leaves and cloud like panicles of flowers. Dropseeds are useful as a groundcover and for erosion control, due to through extreme heat and drought tolerance. They are attractive as accents in a perennial border and for use in dried flower arrangements.

Grow in any well drained soil in full sun.

Prone to root rot, rust, seed smut, and variety of leaf spots and leaf blotches

S. heterolepsis – Prairie Dropseed – This slow growing, clump forming perennial grass from Central North America grows 18-24″ tall and wide. It produces hair like linear, scented, emerald green leaves, 24-36″ long, turning golden yellow in autumn. In late summer, bears airy panicles, 5-10″ long, of small, drooping, fragrant, pale pink flowers, on stems 30-42″ above the foliage.

Zones 3-8