Family

Poaceae

Description

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a finely textured, warm-season bunchgrass prized for its delicate, fountain-like form and graceful movement. Native to the tallgrass prairies of central North America, it forms low, arching clumps of narrow green leaves that turn golden with orange and bronze tones in fall. Its airy, fragrant flower panicles appear in late summer, floating above the foliage and releasing a distinctive scent often compared to coriander or popcorn. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, long-lived, and ideal for meadows, borders, or matrix plantings with perennials and other grasses.

 

Found in dry prairies and open woodlands, S. heterolepis thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. While slow to establish from seed, it is very low maintenance and rarely requires division. It supports native pollinators and provides late-season food for birds through its small, nutritious seeds.

Bloom Time

August to October