Prairie Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
Botanical plate of Sporobolus heterolepis — Curtis-style illustration.
Sporobolus heterolepis, commonly known as prairie dropseed, is a species of prairie grass native to the tallgrass and mixed grass prairies of central North America from Texas to southern Canada. It is also found further east, to the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada, but is much less common beyond the Great Plains and is restricted to specialized habitats. It is found in 27 states and four Canadian provinces.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Sporobolus heterolepis |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Height | 2-3 ft |
| Bloom time | Aug-Sep |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Moisture | Dry to mesic |
| Soil | Sand, loam |
| Wildlife value | Fine fountain-like mounds; seed smells of coriander; slow but very long-lived |
Mentioned In
- Ecoregions Growing Conditions
- Prairie Plants Grasslands
- Plant Identification Skills
- Garden Design Native Plants
- Ecological Restoration
Image Credits
- Daderot (Public domain)