Perennial
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 120 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9
Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a low-maintenance and totally stellar grass for landscaping. It is short, clump-forming and easy to grow but does not readily self-seed in the garden. Prairie dropseed can be planted around walnuts as it is tolerant to juglone. Seeds provide a food source for birds and if the foliage is not cut back, it maintains its fountain shape throughout the winter. Native to much of central North America, this tallgrass and mixed prairie species is hardy from zones 3-9.
Growing Instructions
No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing. Since prairie dropseed is a warm season grass it needs soil temperatures that are at least 70°F (21C) to cue germination and germination may take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks. Prairie dropseed germination rates can be greatly improved by starting trays on a heat mat or sowing later into the spring for warmer soil temperatures.