Sporobolus, Prairie Dropseed 'Minnesota Native'

Sporobolus, Prairie Dropseed 'Minnesota Native'
Sun Preference
Full-Sun, Part-Sun
Bloom or Harvest Time
August, September
As low as: $0.00

Description

Luxurious mounds of arching, hair-like foliage growing in a neat clump. Fantastic fall color and edible, nutritious seeds. Combines well with other natives such as Butterfly Weed and Black-Eyed Susan.

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Discover an unparalleled selection of perennials at Gertens! With the largest variety in Minnesota, we offer endless options of colorful perennials, natives, and pollinator plants to beautify your garden year after year. From vibrant flowers to lush foliage, our perennials are perfect for adding beauty and charm to your outdoor space. Visit Gertens today and see why we're known as Minnesota's Destination Garden Center!

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Details

Prairie Dropseed | Sporobolus heterolepis

Height:  3 feet

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Brand:  Gertens

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 high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, 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 3 feet tall at maturity, 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 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.

More Information

Bloom or Harvest Time August, September
Sun Preference Full-Sun, Part-Sun
USDA Hardiness Zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Common Family Name Prairie Dropseed
Mature Spread (Range) 24" - 36"
Mature Height (Range) 25" - 36"

Product Questions (15)

Gertens carries annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, water plants, house plants, edibles, cacti/succulents, seasonal blooming holiday plants and a wide variety of bulbs and seeds!
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season (spring – fall/frost). Perennials are plants that live for more than two growing seasons. They die back in winter and re-emerge in spring. ...
Hardiness is the capacity of a cultivated plant to withstand adverse conditions, usually its tolerance of low temperature. Plants are given a hardiness rating by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 11 zones based on the coldest or warmest temperature...
A short list of perennials that will attract butterflies includes Yarrow, Coneflowers, Blazing Star, Asters, Milkweed, Butterfly weed, Black-eyed Susan and Bee balm aka Monarda. These are all hardy to Minnesota. Check ...
A short list of perennials that do well in shade include Coral Bell, Astilbe, Aralia, Snakeroot, Hosta, Ferns, Bleeding Hearts and more. To view more perennials found at Gertens, click ...
Monarch butterflies are attracted to all types of native Milkweed. The female Monarch lays her eggs only on Milkweeds - plants in the Asclepias genus - where the caterpillars will hatch, feed and grow before forming a chrysalis. Adults also love Butterfly...
A perennial that is less hardy to your hardiness zone can be brought indoors for winter in a pot appropriate for its size. You don’t want the plant roots to dry out for long periods, but don’t let the soil be soggy. Water about once a month and watch...
Yes, an unheated garage should be just enough extra protection for zone 5 plants. Don’t let the plant dry out for long periods, water it about once a month. To find out what hardiness zone you are in, click ...
Yes, you can overwater plants. Especially in pots but also in the ground, however, planting in the ground allows for better water dispersion so the odds of overwatering are less. Low lying areas may be more prone to flooding. Areas with clay soil also...
A rough estimate for the last frost date here in zone 4b is the first week of May. This is not exact, as Minnesota weather can be variable, but it does help for plantings.
Hummingbirds drink nectar through their long tongue and prefer to drink out of long tubular flowers. A Mandevilla plant is a great example. ...
Generally, Japanese beetles are not going after the perennials. They like trees, roses, vines. Grape vines are one of their favorites, as are roses. But they have been seen on milkweed flowers, green bean leaves and more. Japanese...
Once you get the plant home, dig a hole in the ground twice as wide as the pot it’s in. Loosen the soil, and then pat root stimulator on the roots. Plant in the hole at the same...
Bees love any plant that they can get nectar from such as tubes or little flowers. Butterflies like a flat surface that they can get into. A short list for both bees and butterflies includes: Yarrow, Coneflowers, Blazing Star, Asters, Milkweed, Butterfly...
Use ant repellents.  Terro = Grease Ants Revenge = Garden Ants NOTE: Before bringing...
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