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ornamental grass

Prairie Dropseed*

Sporobolus heterolepis

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Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) at Wagner Nursery & Landscape

Prairie Dropseed

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) at Wagner Nursery & Landscape

Prairie Dropseed

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) at Wagner Nursery & Landscape

Prairie Dropseed fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

Plant Height:  24 inches

Flower Height:  3 feet

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  2

Description:

Native to the Great Plains and Prairies, this extremely fine-textured grass features airy plumes of fine seed heads floating over the grassy foliage in the late season; ideal for restoration projects and flowing hummocky accents in the urban landscape

Ornamental Features

Prairie Dropseed features delicate plumes of orange flowers rising above the foliage from late summer to early fall. The tan seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from early to late fall. Its threadlike leaves are light green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous harvest gold in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Prairie Dropseed is an open herbaceous perennial grass with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Prairie Dropseed is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Prairie Dropseed will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.

 

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Fall Color  Texture  Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features

What Our Clients & Customers Say

To Marc and the crew at Wagner Landscaping,
Just short note to thank you for the quality craftsmanship you delivered at our Jefferson City residence. Our home was cut into a steeply sloping lot necessitating the need for considerable water management and erosion control landscaping. The sculpturing, erosion matting, retaining wall and ditch work was completed in short order, getting us ready for the winter. We are confident that when the snow melts and the rainy season comes next year our property will be ready to handle it. Thanks and best wishes to all.

– Steve Wilhoit –

Dear Chris,
I hope this is the greatest letter of recommendation you’ve ever received – I know it won’t be your last. To anyone who reads this, I can say without hesitation that Chris Wagner should legally change his name to Mr. Boulder! (Just one look at his hands will confirm that this title has been earned.) Chris and his team tackled a very remote project for us with hustle, integrity, imagination and great execution. We couldn’t be happier with the results. If Chris says “it” – “it” happens! We are happy to enthusiastically recommend one of the finest individuals with whom we have worked.
Sincerely,
William W. Nicholson

Let’s Get Started

Contact Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Company for your next landscaping project

 

 

Family-owned and operated since 1995

Our 2 Montana garden center locations, Butte and Belgrade & Bozeman areas, provide you with quality and experience.

Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Co. Belgrade, MT

Wagner Nursery, Belgrade
220 Kendall Ct, Belgrade, MT 59714, USA
(406) 388-2559
Hours: By Appointment Only

Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Co. Butte, MT

Wagner Nursery, Butte
33 Holliday Dr, Butte, MT 59701, USA
(406) 782-5855
Hours: By Appointment Only