Rough Dropseed

About Rough Dropseed

Rough Dropseed is a tough, warm-season bunchgrass that excels in the challenging conditions of dry, rocky prairies and open barrens. Reaching heights of two to four feet, it forms elegant tufts of slender, arching leaves that turn a warm tan in the winter. Its flower spikes are often partially hidden within the upper leaf sheaths, emerging in late summer to early fall. Native to much of central and eastern North America, it is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun and well-drained, poor soils. Ecologically, it provides vital food for seed-eating birds and serves as a host for several species of grasshoppers, which are important in the prairie food web. Its deep root system makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on dry slopes or in low-maintenance xeriscaping.