Prairie Dropseed Grass
Sporobolus heterolepis
 
Elegant, soft, and highly adaptable, Prairie Dropseed Grass (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a beloved native ornamental grass known for its fine-textured, fountain-like foliage and graceful presence in the landscape. Its arching, emerald-green leaves form tidy mounds that sway gently with the breeze, turning warm golden-orange in the fall with hints of rose and bronze.
 
In late summer, Prairie Dropseed sends up slender flower spikes bearing airy, fragrant seed heads with a subtle, sweet scent often compared to coriander or popcorn. These delicate plumes hover above the foliage and add both movement and visual softness to garden beds and naturalized areas.
 
This warm-season, clump-forming grass is perfect for native landscapes, prairie plantings, borders, and mass plantings. It’s drought-tolerant once established, requires little maintenance, and supports local ecosystems by providing habitat and food for birds and pollinators.
 
Add movement, fragrance, and year-round beauty to your garden with the native elegance of Prairie Dropseed Grass—a resilient, ornamental favorite that brings texture and ecological value to any setting.