Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

This grass is reddish gold in color in autumn.

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Introduction

Prairie dropseed grows in dense tufts of long, narrow leaves. It is highly recommended for prairie plantings of all sizes, especially for dry sites. It does grow well in mesic or wet sites as well. The plant itself is a pale pink-gold in autumn.

Fascinating Facts

  • The tiny seedheads smell like coriander.
  • It has few diseases and doesn't seem to have any serious insect pests.

Find It

Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area

Want to Help Us Better Understand the Park?

See our iNaturalist project, "The Life of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area" and contribute to it by downloading the iNaturalist app and uploading your sightings of this species, and others, to the project. You can also upload your sightings from your computer.

Last updated: February 27, 2018

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

111 E. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 105
Saint Paul, MN 55101

Phone:

651-293-0200
This is the general phone line at the Mississippi River Visitor Center.

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