Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie drop seed)

Botanical name

Sporobolus heterolepis

Other names

Prarie dropseed, Prairie drop seed

Genus

Sporobolus Sporobolus

Species

S. heterolepis - S. heterolepis is an ornamental perennial grass with fine textured, deep green foliage and lovely, light and airy flowers in autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

A faint but unmistakable fragrance of corriander.

Habit

Arching, Clump-forming

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Colour

Flower

Pale-brown, Green, Silvery-grey in Summer; Flushed orange in Autumn

Foliage

Pale-yellow in Spring; Pale-yellow in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free

Diseases

Generally disease free

General care

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie drop seed) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in soil that is medium to light and moderately fertile. Drought tolerant once established.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie drop seed)

Common pest name

Rice leaf nematode; Strawberry crimp disease nematode; White tip nematode; White tip nematode of rice

Scientific pest name

Aphelenchoides besseyi

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Damaging nematode affecting rice crops and strawberry production in warmer climates; could potentially present a threat to strawberry production and ornamental production in protected environments. But modern production practices seem to reduce likelihood of impacts. Pest is also regulated at EU level; which reduces likelihood of entry.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/