Sporobulus heterolepis

Sporobolus heterolepis, called prairie dropseed, is a clump-forming, warm season, perennial grass which typically occurs in prairies, glades, open ground and along railroads in parts of the central and western United States and southern Canada. Fine-textured, hair-like, medium green leaves (to 20” long and 1/16” wide) typically form an arching foliage mound to 15” tall and 18” wide. Foliage turns golden with orange hues in fall, fading to light bronze in winter. Open, branching flower panicles appear on slender stems which rise well above the foliage clump in late summer to 30-36" tall. Flowers have pink and brown coloration but are perhaps most noted for their unique and noticeable (some may say pungent) scent that has variously been described as resembling a combination of coriander, popcorn, honey, sunflower seeds, and melted wax. Tiny rounded mature seeds drop to the ground from their hulls in autumn giving rise to the descriptive common name.

The genus name Sporobolus comes from the Ancient Greek sporos meaning "seed" and ballo meaning "to throw", in reference to how the seeds are dispersed.

It is easily  grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soils, including heavy clays. Prefers dry, rocky soils. Good drought tolerance. Slow-growing and slow to establish. May be grown from seed but does not freely self-seed in the garden.

There are no serious insect or disease problems. A good ground cover for hot, dry areas. Prairies, meadows, native plant gardens, wild areas or slopes. Also effective in large rock gardens. Accent for foundation plantings or borders.

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