Sporobolus heterolepis, commonly known as Prairie Dropseed, is a finely textured warm season grass. Forms elegant arching mounds of green foliage that turn golden orange in fall with airy fragrant flower panicles that add great movement and a soft haze.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Dry to medium, well drained soils; prefers lean, sandy or rocky conditions
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to the tallgrass prairies of central and eastern North America, including the Midwest and Great Plains regions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Host plant for caterpillars of prairie Skippers such as Leonard’s Skipper and Dakota Skipper.
Birds
- Seeds are consumed by grassland sparrows, finches, and other songbirds in late summer and fall.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 30 in apart to allow full development of its rounded, arching form.
Landscape Placement
- Suitable for prairie restorations, native borders, and modern landscapes where its clean form and soft movement are highlights. Effective in mass plantings or as a textural accent among perennials.
Companion Plants
- Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion) - Adds nodding pink blooms that emerge with the fine blades of Prairie Dropseed.
- Coreopsis palmata (Prairie Coreopsis) - Provides golden yellow flowers and thrives in the same dry soils.
- Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) - Offers upright white blooms in early summer for seasonal layering.
- Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant) - Adds bold vertical foliage and yellow sunflower like blooms.
- Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower) - Brings soft golden petals that sway with the movement of the grass.