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Prairie dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepsis

spoor-OB-oh-lus het-er-oh-LEP-siss

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 CharacteristicsNative of western North America. Good dried flower. Heat and drought tolerant. The flowers smell like coriander.

CareGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun. These plants prefer dry and rocky, but are tolerant of a wide range of soils.

PropagationSow seed in situ in spring or fall. Divide in spring or fall.

ProblemsRoot rot, rust, seed smut, leaf spots

  • Genus : Sporobolus
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Moisture : Adaptable
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Self Seeds, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Plant Type : Grasses
  • Uses : Ground Covers
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Flower Color : Pink
  • Growth Rate : Slow
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

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