Sporobolus heterolepsis (Prairie dropseed)

Sporobolus heterolepsis Photo/Illustration: Saxon Holt

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Sporobolus heterolepsis spoor-OB-oh-lus het-er-oh-LEP-siss Common Name: Prairie dropseed Genus: Sporobolus
The finely textured, green leaves of this slow-growing, clump-forming perennial turn golden yellow in autumn. It bears cloudy panicles of fragrant, pale-pink to tawny flowers 5 to 10 inches long in late summer, reaching 3 feet tall.
Noteworthy characteristics: Native of western North America. Good dried flower. Heat and drought tolerant. The flowers smell like coriander.
Care: Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. These plants prefer dry and rocky, but are tolerant of a wide range of soils.
Propagation: Sow seed in situ in spring or fall. Divide in spring or fall.
Problems: Root rot, rust, seed smut, leaf spots
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Slow Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Adaptable
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer Tolerant;Drought Tolerant;Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Fragrant Flowers; Fragrant Foliage; Native; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Brown Flower; Pink Flower
Uses , Ground Covers, Dried Flower, Naturalizing, Roadside
Style , Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest , Winter Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Grasses

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