Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepsis) spoor-OB-oh-lus het-er-oh-LEP-siss Genus:  Sporobolus

The finely textured, green leaves of this slow-growing, clump-forming perennial turn golden yellow in autumn. It bears cloudy panicles of fragrant, pale-pink to tawny flowers 5 to 10 inches long in late summer, reaching 3 feet tall.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Native of western North America. Good dried flower. Heat and drought tolerant. The flowers smell like coriander.

Care: 

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. These plants prefer dry and rocky, but are tolerant of a wide range of soils.

Propagation: 

Sow seed in situ in spring or fall. Divide in spring or fall.

Problems: 

Root rot, rust, seed smut, leaf spots

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Slow Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Adaptable Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Native, Self Seeds, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Brown, Pink Uses Ground Covers, Roadside Style Meadow Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant Type Grasses