By growing it, you will also be doing a good deed to increase biodiversity.
The foliage turns golden-orange in fall, then fades to bronze in winter.
The clumps are not easily flattened by snow, allowing prairie dropseed to remain quite attractive in winter.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The common name “dropseed” derives from the tiny mature seeds falling from their hulls in fall.
Once established, prairie dropseed is quite long-lived for an ornamental grass.
However, when its in a location it likes, it is a long-lived perennial.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Light
The grass does best in full sun.
Expect reduced flowering in shady conditions.
What it prefers, however, are dry, rocky soils that resemble its native Great Plains habitat.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Water
Prairie dropseed has gooddrought tolerance.
In areas with regular rainfall during the growing season, watering is usually not necessary.
However, avoid overwatering, which will actually harm it.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Humidity does not affect prairie dropseed.
Fertilizer
The grass thrives in poor soils and fertilizer is usually not required.
Types of Prairie Dropseed
Prairie dropseed is widely available in nurseries in its species form.
Pruning
No pruning is necessary for this plant during the growing season.
Grow lights may help speed germination, and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings are well developed.
When the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, they are ready to be planted outside.
Keep ample spacing between them, as the roots will spread.
But don’t expect plants started from seed to flower for several years.
Potted grasses should be moved to a sheltered location out of the wind during the cold winter months.
Shady conditions will cause reduced flowering.
Ornamental grasses should be used carefully in regions prone to wildfire.
With its low-growing habit of dense tufts, this perennial bunchgrass is a good fit for many different locations.
It is a natural choice for rock gardens and areas with rocky poor soil.
Prairie dropseed is a good choice forerosion control.
This slow grower stands out for the fragrance of its flowers, which is very unusual for a grass.
This grass can easily live up to 20 years, possibly more with proper care.
Sporobolus airoides (Alkali sacaton) is a great alternative that is just as hardy as prairie dropseed.
Those in coastal areas might want to trySporobolus virginicus(seashore dropseed).
