Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a groundcover plant with grassy foliage and good fall color. They have airy panicles with seed in summer and fall that are somewhat showy. They prefer mesic to dry soil in sun but can tolerate part sun. They grow to 3 feet tall and are a good choice for groundcovers on dry, sunny banks. Companion plants include Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) and Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa).
Maintenance
Cut back dead foliage to 4 inches in early spring.
About
Light Requirements
Sun,
Part Sun Moisture Requirements
Banks Soil Requirements
Loam,
Sand Height
Short,
Medium Category
Groundcover Attracts
Birds Illinois Native Plant Status
Yes Bloom Time
July,
August,
September Seasonality
Fall,
Summer,
Winter