Plants

Perhaps the most ornamental of the native prairie grasses. It grows in a clumping shape with deep green narrow leaves that arch downward. In July, Sporobolus heterolepis sends up numerous stalks with delicate, open panicles shooting up over the clump. In fall, foliage turns a coppery orange color, which later fades to cream.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soils, including heavy clays. Prefers dry, rocky soils. Good drought tolerance.