Prairie dropseed | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Grass
Family (botanic) Poaceae
Tree or plant type Grass, Perennial
Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
Size range Large plant (more than 24 inches)
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Soil preference Dry soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought
Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, late summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
Flower color and fragrance Fragrant
Shape or form Arching, Mounded

Size and Form:

Prairie dropseed is a clumping grass that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and has an arching, mounded shape.

Native geographic location and habitat:

C-Value: 10. Native to much of the United States and Canada.

Leaf description:

The thin (1/8 to 1/16 inch wide) green leaves will grow 2 to 3 feet long, and will arch gracefully forming a fountain-like mound. Fall color is golden, often with orange tones.

Flower description:

Flowering occurs in late summer (usually August and September). The tiny flowers occur on airy, branched structures. Unlike most grasses, prairie dropseed has fragrant flowers. The scent is often compared to buttered popcorn. The flowers are wind pollinated.

Fruit description:

The small fruit (caryopsis or grains) form along the branched structures that held the flowers.

Plant care:

Full sun and well-drained soils are best for this species. It is tolerant of heat and drought. This is a warm season grass, so its most active growth occurs in summer. It will remain standing in winter and can act as winter interest. Since this grass remains attractive through winter, it should not be cut back until early spring, before new growth begins. At that time, it can be cut down to the ground.