Prairie Dropseed Grass
Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie Dropseed Grass (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–30 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Fine-textured fountain shape; coriander-scented flowers; orange-gold fall color; one of CO's best native grasses.
Colorado nativelow water24–30 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Sporobolus heterolepis
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 24–30 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom time
- late summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Prairie Dropseed Grass good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Prairie Dropseed Grass is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Prairie Dropseed Grass get?
- It matures to about 24–30 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How much water does Prairie Dropseed Grass need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Prairie Dropseed Grass native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
