- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 12 Inches
- Mature Spread 4 - 12 Inches
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Prairie Dropseed Grass or Sporobolus heterolepis is a native flowering grass commonly grown for its fine texture and gently arching foliage. The leaves are very thin but also very dense, so this plant has an imposing presence. The deep green foliage transitions to shades of gold and orange by the fall. Pink and brown panicled flowers give way to tiny seeds that drop, as the name implies, late in the season.
As a native plant, Prairie Dropseed Grass requires very little attention once acclimated. The tall, thin blades of grass billow in the wind and invoke a prairie-like setting. Plant this clump-forming stunner in beds, mass plantings, or borders, or use it as erosion control. The fragrant blooms have a slight coriander scent, and the seed will be a draw for birds. This plant grows as a perennial in USDA zones 3 through 8.
Prairie Dropseed Grass Care
Plant Prairie Dropseed Grass in full sun. Soil should be rich and well-drained. This stunner requires consistent water for the first year but is drought-tolerant once established.
As a native plant, this grass does not need to be fertilized, but a dose of balanced plant food in the spring will get it off to a strong start. Dethatch or remove old, dead foliage each year to encourage new growth.
Prairie Dropseed Grass Spacing
Prairie Dropseed Grass will grow 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 10 to 12 inches wide. Plants can be spaced 8 to 12 inches apart to create a full and continuous look.
Prairie Dropseed Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 12 Inches |
Mature Spread: 10 - 12 Inches |
Spacing: 10 - 12 Inches |
Habit: Clumping, Upright |
Flower Color(s): Pink |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Erosion Control, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Prairie Dropseed Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: SPOROBOLUS HETEROLEPSIS |
- SKU:
- 1013011-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.