Sporobolus heterolepis

RHS Plant Profile
prairie dropseed
Grass Like

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 pinkish-brown and produced in airy sprays in late summer and early autumn, with the seed heads often persisting into winter

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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