Sporobolus heterolepis (PRAIRIE DROPSEED) *

bloom Aug-Oct | height 3’ | full to part-sun
Quite possibly the most popular native grass used by Chicago gardeners —for a reason. This grass has a great texture and color and works nicely to blend plant communities together. And, it's fragrant! The smell resembling something like freshly laundered clothing. Sporobolus is a warm season species, so it starts out slow and then grows to a wispy 1.5' tall before sending up seed heads that reach around 3' in height. These seeds are a favorite of many small animals —including birds like the dark-eyed junco and sparrows.

In fall this plant turns a light golden yello-brown and looks great grouped together along a pathway.

Plants that grow well with prairie dropseed: Pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida), Golden alexanders (Zizia aurea), Asclepias sullivantii (prairie milkweed)

Need help choosing plants? Click here. 

Got questions? Hit us up at northbranchnatives@gmail.com