Rank Species | Genus Sporobolus Higher classification Sporobolus | |
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Similar Sporobolus, Grasses, Schizachyrium scoparium, Sorghastrum nutans, Andropogon gerardi | ||
Sporobolus heterolepis, commonly known as prairie dropseed, is a species of prairie grass native to the tallgrass and mixed grass prairies of central North America from Texas to southern Canada. It is also found further east, all the way to the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada, but is much less common beyond the Great Plains and is restricted to specialized habitats. It is found in 24 states and 4 Canadian provinces.
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Description
Prairie dropseed is a perennial bunchgrass that typically grows from 2 to 3 feet in height. It occurs in a wide range of soils, doing well in moist to dry conditions. It is much less common in wetlands.
Prairie dropseed is a fine-textured grass with long, narrow leaves that arch outward, forming attractive round tufts. The leaves range in color from a rich green hue in summer to a golden rust complexion in the fall. Foliage is resilient enough to resist flattening by snow, so it provides year-round interest. From late July to mid-September, the grass blooms with rusty-tan flowers that rise 30 to 36 inches in height.
Gardens
The grass is cultivated as an ornamental plant because of its attractive bunchgrass form. Because of its drought tolerance, it has been used on green roofs.
The seedhead is sometimes described as having the vague scent of fresh popcorn, cilantro, or sunflower seeds.
Restoration
Prairie dropseed is used for roadside revegetation and prairie restoration projects. It is difficult to establish by direct seeding. This is best done by setting plants.
Food
Native Americans ground the seeds of the grass to make a tasty flour, and many species of birds eat the seeds.