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 nativeOn the CSU listlow water24–30 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Hill Craddock, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: (unknown), Wikimedia Commons (PD)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24–30 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late summer
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Fall color
- Orange, gold
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie
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 a well-suited perennial for 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 far apart do I plant Prairie Dropseed Grass?
- Space Prairie Dropseed Grass about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Prairie Dropseed Grass hardy on the Front Range?
- Prairie Dropseed Grass is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Prairie Dropseed Grass need?
- It needs low water once established.
- What color does Prairie Dropseed Grass turn in fall?
- Prairie Dropseed Grass turns orange and gold in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Prairie Dropseed Grass native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Prairie Dropseed Grass deer-resistant?
- Prairie Dropseed Grass is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does Prairie Dropseed Grass bloom?
- Prairie Dropseed Grass blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
