Prairie Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
Daderot
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Sporobolus
- Species:
- Sporobolus heterolepis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 3-4 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- Pink, Yellow, Green, Brown
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Canada: Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Leonard's skipper (Hesperia leonardus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Mix seed with equal amounts of vermiculite and lightly dampen in a plastic bag or container. Store this seed for 3-4 months in a cold room of 34-36 degrees F.
Establishment: Seed is collected by hand from nursery stock. The plant flowers most of May and June. Seed is harvested in the beginning of August.
Source: npn.rngr.net