Prairie Dropseed

Prairie Dropseed
(Sporobolus heterolepis)

Height:

• 2 to 3 feet

Bloom:

• August to October

Classification:

• Native
• Perennial
• Grass

Sun:

• Full sun

Soil moisture:

• Dry to medium

Provides food for:

• Caterpillars (foliage)
• Songbirds (seeds, caterpillars and other insects)

Notes:

• Listed as endangered in Kentucky.
• Prairie dropseed is what’s called a bunch grass which means it forms clumps instead of a solid mat like the turf grass in your yard.
• The vegetation remains standing throughout the winter which provides shelter to songbirds and other small wildlife.
• Bumble bee queens will sometimes nest at the base of the clump.
• Prairie dropseed is a warm season grass which means that most of its growth occurs during summer and early fall.
• Deer resistant.
• Doesn’t mind rocky soils.
• Flowers have faint cilantro / coriander smell.
• Very slow growing – can take 4 years to reach blooming size.

Native Range: