prairie dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepis

characteristics

Grows in a distinctive dense mound with outward arching, thin, light green leaves. Delicate pink to brown flowers bloom on panicles well above the foliage. Flowers are notably fragrant; smelling like cardamom. In fall, leaves turn from green to bronze, often persisting through winter. Although slow to establish this is considered one of the most elegant grasses of the prairie.

1,200,000 seeds/pound; starts from seed, container

habitat

Prairie remnants, railroads and rocky outcrops.

uses

Food source and cover for song birds and small mammals.
North American aboriginals ground the seed for use in flour.