Prairie Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Daderot
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Sporobolus
- Species:
- Sporobolus heterolepis
- USDA Symbol:
- SPHE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- green, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Leonard's skipper (Hesperia leonardus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Dichagyris reliqua, Feltia herilis, Gluphisia septentrionis, Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- orange, copper
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from roots following fire. Fire removes thatch and stimulates new growth in prairie settings.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Germinates best at warm temperatures (70-85°F) after cold stratification. Light may aid germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months.