Sporobolus heterolepis
prairie dropseed
A perennial grass to about 90cm producing a dense clump of narrow, arching, mid-green leaves that produce yellow and orange tones in autumn, then die to pale brown, but remain a feature. The tiny, aromatic flowers are pinky brown and produced in airy sprays in late summer and early autumn, with the seed heads often persisting into winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Pink | Orange Yellow Green | Brown | |
| Winter | Brown | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Sporobolus are a large genus of plants in the grass family which are prairie or savannah plants. They produce a soft cloud of small flower heads, turning to seeds at a later date, the stems of which can grow up to 20 inches in height above a clump of arching leaves. Leaves are bright green during the summer, turning to yellow to orange in autumn and brown in winter.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Relatively slow-growing so don't allow other plants to crowd it out
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back to near ground in early to mid-spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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