Rough Dropseed
(Sporobolus compositus)
Rough Dropseed (Sporobolus compositus)
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Jo Roberts
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jo Roberts
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jo Roberts | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jo Roberts | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-08T09:43:44-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Sporobolus compositus, commonly known as Rough Dropseed, is a deciduous perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides across the central and northeastern United States, extending into parts of Canada. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 meters), forming dense tufts of fine-textured foliage. The inflorescences are airy and open, with small, greenish to purplish flowers that appear in late summer to fall, adding a delicate texture to the landscape. The plant is not particularly showy, but its seed heads can provide visual interest in the winter landscape.
Rough Dropseed is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil conditions and its drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is often used in prairie restoration projects, as a ground cover in open spaces, and for erosion control due to its dense root system. This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade and is best grown in well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive with minimal care once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Rough Dropseed is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil conditions and its drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is often used in prairie restoration projects, as a ground cover in open spaces, and for erosion control due to its dense root system. This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade and is best grown in well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive with minimal care once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-4 feet
- Width: 1-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides across the central and eastern United States and parts of Canada
Other Names
Common Names: Tall Dropseed, Composite Dropseed, Meadow Dropseed, Sporobole Rude
Scientific Names: , Sporobolus compositus, Sporobolus asper, Sporobolus compositus var. drummondii, Sporobolus asper var. drummondii, Sporobolus asper var. hookeri, Sporobolus pilosus, Sporobolus drummondii, Sporobolus asper var. pilosus, Sporobolus attenuatus
GBIF Accepted Name: Sporobolus compositus (Poir.) Merr.