Sporobolus heterolepis (prairie dropseed)

Prairie dropseed is a fine-textured, clump-forming species of prairie grass that is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens because of its attractive form. Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soils, including heavy clay. Good drought tolerance. Slow-growing and slow to establish. Fine-textured, hair-like, medium green leaves typically form an attractive arching foliage mound to 15" tall by 18" wide. Foliage turns golden with orange hues in fall, fading to light bronze in winter. Tall flowers have pink and brown tints, but are perhaps most noted for the seedheads' unique scent of cilantro, fresh popcorn, or sunflower seeds. Foliage is resilient enough to resist flattening by snow, so it provides year-round interest. Because of its drought tolerance, it has been used on green roofs.

Prairie dropside is native to the tallgrass and mixed grass prairies of central North America, and it is also found in specialized habits further east, to the Atlantic coast. It occurs in a wide range of soils, doing well in moist to dry conditions, but is much less common in wetlands. It is often used for roadside revegetation and prairie restoration projects. Many species of birds eat the seeds. 

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

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