Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed)
One of our rare native grasses, Sporobolus heterolepis does well in dry, sunny areas and is tolerant of many kinds of soils and conditions. It grows slowly and provides exceptionally beautiful foliage when established, providing winter cover for insects and other wildlife. Its seeds are also popular with songbirds and it is a host plant for the Leonard’s Skipper butterfly.
One of our rare native grasses, Sporobolus heterolepis does well in dry, sunny areas and is tolerant of many kinds of soils and conditions. It grows slowly and provides exceptionally beautiful foliage when established, providing winter cover for insects and other wildlife. Its seeds are also popular with songbirds and it is a host plant for the Leonard’s Skipper butterfly.
One of our rare native grasses, Sporobolus heterolepis does well in dry, sunny areas and is tolerant of many kinds of soils and conditions. It grows slowly and provides exceptionally beautiful foliage when established, providing winter cover for insects and other wildlife. Its seeds are also popular with songbirds and it is a host plant for the Leonard’s Skipper butterfly.
Host Plant for Butterflies/Moths: Leonard’s Skipper Butterfly (Hesperia leonardus)
Wildlife Value: Songbirds
Deer Resistance: Very Good
Native Region: Appalachian Mountains
Seed Origin: USA, nursery collected seed
Light Recommendation: Full Sun, Part-sun
Soil Moisture Recommendation: Moist, Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry
USDA Zones: 3-9
States found in our region: GA, KY, MD, NC, TN, VA, PA
Other states found: AR, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, NY, OH, OK, SD, TX, WI, WY
