Dropseed, Prairie

Description

Sporobolus heterolepis, commonly called Prairie Dropseed, is a clump-forming, warm season, Missouri native perennial grass which typically occurs in prairies, glades, open ground and along railroads.

Occasionally, the foliage is eaten by grasshoppers, including Two-Striped Slant-faced Grasshopper and Handsome Grasshopper. Prairie Dropseed is the obligate host of two uncommon leafhoppers:Red-Tailed Leafhopper and the recently described Memnonia panzeri. The seeds are eaten by sparrows and other granivorous songbirds from late summer into winter; these species include the Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco.  Sometimes voles and other small rodents dig burrows within the dense tufts of leaves and root mass of this prairie grass.

The foliage is readily eaten by bison, cattle, and horses.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soils, including heavy clays. Prefers dry, rocky soils. Good drought tolerance. Ground cover for hot, dry areas. Prairies, meadows, native plant gardens, wild areas or slopes. Also effective in large rock gardens. Accent for foundation plantings or borders.

Habitats consist primarily of hill prairies, gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, black soil prairies, cemetery prairies, prairie remnants along railroads, and limestone glades. Less often, Prairie Dropseed has been found in savannas, thinly wooded rocky bluffs, and grassy fens. This grass is found primarily in high quality natural areas. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.