Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Sporobolus

Species:

Sporobolus michauxianus

USDA Symbol:

SPPE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, waterfowl, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fall Color:

tan, golden

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the root crown following fire. Tolerates periodic burning typical of wet prairie and marsh edges.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Common in open, sandy areas; tolerates drought

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily with cold stratification. Light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI