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Prairie Dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepis

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Category
Grass / Sedge / Rush
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Medium-Wet to Dry
Bloom time
Aug–Oct
Notes
Warm

About Prairie Dropseed

Prairie Dropseed is widely considered one of the most beautiful native grasses for the home landscape, offering both elegance and ecological value. This warm-season perennial forms dense, arching mounds of fine-textured, emerald-green foliage that resembles a fountain. In late summer, airy flower stems rise above the leaves, producing a unique fragrance that many describe as reminiscent of hot buttered popcorn or cilantro. Native to the tallgrass prairies of the Midwest, it is incredibly long-lived and thrives in full sun and a variety of well-drained soils. Its deep roots make it remarkably drought-tolerant once established. In the fall, the foliage turns a stunning golden-orange, providing winter interest and shelter for birds. The seeds are a favorite of sparrows and other ground-feeding songbirds.

Native range

Native to 27 states:

ArkansasColoradoConnecticutGeorgiaIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyMassachusettsMarylandMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMontanaNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew MexicoNew YorkOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaVirginiaWisconsinWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Sporobolus heterolepis

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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