Mesa Dropseed
(Sporobolus flexuosus)
Mesa Dropseed (Sporobolus flexuosus)
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Patrick Alexander
CC0
Image By:
Patrick Alexander
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CC0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Patrick Alexander | License Type: CC0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Josve05a | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Sporobolus flexuosus, commonly known as Mesa Dropseed, is a perennial grass that is often evergreen but can be short-lived, sometimes behaving as an annual. It is native to semi-arid woodlands and grasslands in the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico, where it thrives in open, sunny areas with well-drained soils. This bunchgrass forms a tuft of stems that can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 ft) long, with an erect to decumbent form. The leaves are up to 26 centimeters (10 inches) long and are characterized by rough hairs along the margins. The inflorescence is an open panicle with spreading branches that bear grayish spikelets. Flowering occurs in late summer to fall, and while the flowers are not particularly showy, they add a delicate texture to the landscape.
Mesa Dropseed is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is used for erosion control, as a ground cover in dry gardens, and for restoration projects in its native range. In cultivation, it requires full sun, minimal water once established, and prefers soils with fast drainage. While it is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, it can self-seed and may spread in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mesa Dropseed is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is used for erosion control, as a ground cover in dry gardens, and for restoration projects in its native range. In cultivation, it requires full sun, minimal water once established, and prefers soils with fast drainage. While it is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, it can self-seed and may spread in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Semi-arid woodlands and grasslands in the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Sporobolus flexuosus, Sporobolus cryptandrus var. flexuosus, Vilfa cryptandra var. flexuosa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Sporobolus flexuosus (Vasey) Rydb.