Sporobolus heterolepis 'Prairie Dropseed'

Sporobolus heterolepis, commonly known as Prairie Dropseed, is a native, warm-season, perennial grass species that is commonly found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands of North America. It is known for its delicate, fine-textured leaves, airy seed heads, and its distinctive, herbal fragrance.

Prairie Dropseed is a clump-forming grass that can reach heights of up to 2 feet tall, with a similar spread. The leaves of the plant are narrow and have a green color, with a delicate texture that provides a soft, flowing appearance in the landscape. In late summer and early fall, the plant produces airy seed heads that rise above the foliage and provide an attractive display. The seed heads are also an important food source for wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Because of its texture and low-growth habit, prairie dropseed is an excellent plant to use in landscaping projects. 

In terms of habitat, Prairie Dropseed is well-adapted to a variety of soil and moisture conditions and can be found in both dry and moist soils. It is also tolerant of drought and can grow in full sun to partial shade. 

Photo Attributions: 

Photos 1 & 3: Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo 2: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons