Sporobolus heterolepis (Poaceae)

Prairie dropseed

Native to North American prairies. The most elegant and refined of the prairie grasses, with threadlike leaves just over 2mm wide, producing a dense, flowing mound of the finest texture, to 38cm tall. Summer colour is a glossy, medium green. Every year, in October or early November, the entire clump turns orange then fades to a light copper colour during winter. Appearing in August or September, delicate, open panicles are held high above the foliage on very slender stalks to 75cm tall. The inflorescences are noticeably attractive when backlit, but most unusually, they are scented. The fragrance has been called delicate, sweet, or pungent, and has been variously described as evoking crushed coriander leaves or slightly burnt buttered popcorn. Strictly clump-forming, deep-rooted, and extraordinarily drought tolerant once established. Slow-growing, requiring at least four years to attain significant size but worth the wait. It is a superb choice for small-scale or large-scale groundcover use. Easy to grow on most soils, including heavy clay, in full sun or light shade.
Ht. 75cm. Very hardy


Price
  9cm pot       £3.00       Available Sept 2004