Sporobolus heterolepsis, commonly known as Prairie Dropseed, is a perennial grass native to prairies and open woodlands of the central United States. It forms dense, fountain-like clumps reaching up to 3 feet (1 meter) in height and width. The fine-textured, arching foliage is a bright green in summer, transitioning to a golden hue in fall. In late summer, it produces airy panicles of fragrant, pinkish-brown flowers that are highly ornamental. The flowers give way to small, rounded seed heads that persist into winter, providing interest and food for birds.

Prairie Dropseed is celebrated for its graceful form, ease of maintenance, and exceptional drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings, xeriscaping, and restoration projects. It is also used in borders, as a ground cover, or in mass plantings for a textured effect. This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade and thrives in well-drained soils. While it is generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from rust in very humid conditions. Prairie Dropseed is not known for aggressive roots or other significant problems. It is a warm-season grass, so its growth starts in late spring and continues through the heat of summer.CC BY-SA 4.0