Sporobolus heterolepis, commonly known as Prairie Dropseed, is a deciduous, perennial grass native to prairies, glades, and savannas of central North America, including the Great Plains and the Midwest. It forms dense, fine-textured clumps reaching 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) in height and width. The arching leaves turn golden with orange hues in fall, providing seasonal interest. In late summer to early fall, it produces airy panicles of fragrant flowers that are pink to light brown, adding a delicate texture to the landscape. The flowers are followed by small, rounded seeds that resemble drops, hence the name "dropseed."

Prairie Dropseed is valued for its graceful form, drought tolerance, and the sweet, coriander-like fragrance of its flowers. It is often used in naturalized plantings, prairie restorations, and as an ornamental grass in gardens and landscapes. It is also beneficial for erosion control due to its dense root system. This grass thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, including clay, loam, or sandy soils. It is low maintenance, requiring minimal water once established, and is generally free from serious pests and diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0