Sporobolus heterolepis: Prairie Dropseed for Fragrant Flowers and Golden Fall Color

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a slow-growing, clump-forming native perennial with finely textured green leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn. Cloudy panicles of fragrant, pale-pink to tawny flowers (smelling of coriander) appear in late summer on 3-foot stems. Heat and drought tolerant, it prefers dry, rocky soils but adapts widely. Good dried flower.

Growing Conditions

Full sun, any well-drained soil. Prefers dry, rocky but tolerates wide range. Propagate by sowing seed in situ spring or fall, or divide spring or fall. Watch for root rot, rust, seed smut, leaf spots.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumping, Slow
• Light: Full Sun
• 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 Cover, Roadside, Meadow Garden
• Tolerance: Deer, Drought, Frost
• Type: Grasses