Sporobolus Species, Prairie Dropseed

This easy and adaptable grass forms beautiful symmetrical clumps. The effect is very refined, suitable for the formal garden as well as t...Read Morehe wild meadow. Foliage texture is very fine---the leaves are threadlike, only 1/16" wide.

Beautiful orange fall foliage. Excellent winter presence. Most attractive when cut back in early spring before new growth begins.

I find the flowers of secondary interest. They are attractive when backlit, but last only a few weeks. Their fragrance is strong and can be detected many yards downwind. They are often said to smell like burnt popcorn. My nose agrees with those who compare the smell to coriander leaves.

Mature clumps are very dense and difficult to divide. Best propagated by seed.

It is a pretty clump ornamental grass and native prairie or meadow plant. Does well in most any well-drained soil. Makes a good massing m...Read Moreaterial. Easy to dug up and transplant. Nice, soft foliage feels good.

This is my favorite ornamental grass. It is best used in masses where its fine texture can attract the most attention. It is great when ...Read Morecontrasted against coarse textured perennials. It is easy and carefree. Here in Illinois it does self seed well, being native, but these plants are slower to establish and easy to pull by hand when caught young enough. In native prairies they are a climax species, establishing themselves later than other quick emerging plants.

This is a gorgeous perennial grass. In zone 5a, I have this in both full sun and part shade. When grown in shade, the habit is more "flo...Read Moreppy" yet still beautiful. In late summer, the panicles are very tall, airy and smell like popcorn. A great reliable ornamental grass for the north.