Sporobolus
( spor - OB - oh - lus )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of perennial grasses known commonly as Dropseed or Sacaton Grasses includes species which need full sun and little to moderate water to perform well in the garden. These are graceful-looking grasses that are deep-rooted and drought tolerant, making them great choices for water-wise gardens. Flower heads are plumelike and appear in summer and autumn. After flowers fade, seeds drop to the ground and will resow, hence the common name Dropseed. Use Dropseed grasses as accents or specimen plants in the ground or in containers, to naturalize in meadow or prairie gardens, or for erosion control, mass plantings, or groundcover.
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sporobolus Species and Varietals
The genus Sporobolus is a member of the plant family Poaceae and includes 160 species. The grasses in this genus are related to those in Zoysia and Muhlenbergia (Muhly Grass). The best growing zones for Sporobolus vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Sporobolus airoides (Alkali Sacaton, Alkali Dropseed) This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to a region that spans from South Dakota and Missouri west to Washington and south to Southern California. It reaches 3 feet tall and wide at maturity with grey-green leaves that turn yellow in fall and beige in wintertime. Flower plumes are pink-tinted, fading to straw. These grasses are used in restoration efforts, and most cultivars were bred specifically for that purpose. |
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Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed, Northern Dropseed) Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-10 and 14-17, this species is native to the Midwest, High Plains and other areas of the eastern United States. It has emerald green thin foliage that forms a mass 15 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide. Foliage turns gold-orange in fall and light bronze in winter. Flowers are held above foliage, are pink to light brown and smell a little like buttered popcorn. Seeds produced by this species are highly nutritious, and can be ground into flour. Best in dry soil. Cultivars of this species include 'Tara' (a dwarf variety with rusty fall color), 'Wisconsin Strain' and 'Gone with the Wind'. |
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Sporobolus wrightii (Giant Sacaton, Big Sacaton) This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-10 or Sunset growing zones 3b, 7-16, and 18-24, and is native to sandy areas and hillsides in southwestern areas of Canada and the United States. It has arching, blue-green leaves 3-4 feet tall and just as wide. Golden yellow seed heads follow blooms and are great when used in dried arrangements. Evergreen for the most part, unless the climate is really cold. Drought tolerant but looks best with at least occasional waterings. Cultivars of this species include 'Summer Fireworks' (compact with dramatic gold-bronze panicles in summer) and 'Windbreaker' (bred to be used as a windbreak for agricultural fields, to 8-10 feet tall). |
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Caring for Sporobolus
Plant Sporobolus, or Dropseed, in a space in the landscape that receives full sun. Ideally, these grasses should be getting 6 to 8 hours or more sun each day. They prefer soil to be well-draining, moderately fertile, and to have a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 (acidic to alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these grasses are considered to be relatively drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater for much of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of drought.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These grasses are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. The appearance of this grass can be improved by removing any dead growth in early spring. Clumps should be cut back to 3 to 6 inches above the ground in late winter every couple of years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. These grasses are generally very slow to spread, but if they do outgrow their allotted space, they can be divided and replanted. For instructions on how to successfully divide Sporobolus grasses, see the Propagation section below. The life expectancy of these grasses is a few decades in the landscape, though most will freely re-seed in the garden, providing volunteer grasses that can be dug up and planted elsewhere indefinitely.
Growing Sporobolus in Containers
Sacaton is commonly grown in the ground, but can also be grown in containers on patios and walkways. Choose a large container that is at least a 1 to 3 gallon size (12 to 18 inches wide) to accommodate the plant's mature root ball. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite. Top soil with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new container. At maturity, they are considered drought tolerant, but will need more water than their in-ground counterparts. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. The appearance of these grasses can be improved by removing any dead growth in early springtime. Clumps should be cut back to 3 to 6 inches in late winter every couple of years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. Every few years these grasses will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Sporobolus, see the Propagation section below.
Harvesting Sporobolus
In addition to being wispy additions to landscapes, these grasses are also cultivated for their cut flowers, which are used in both fresh and dried arrangements. They add airy texture and height, and are typically harvested in mid summer to early fall. Foliage color becomes most vibrant at this time of the year. To ensure color retention, make sure to harvest them before they start to lose their color. Use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or snips to avoid damaging stems and prevent the spread of disease. Cut at the base of stems, and immediately drop them into a bucket of cool water. Fresh stems have a vase life of about two weeks. To dry stems, bunch them and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry area after harvesting. Once completely dried, handle with care to avoid breaking the brittle stems. They can be added to long-lasting dry bouquets, wreaths, or used in other floral crafts.
In addition to being cultivated for their cut flowering stems, these grasses are also grown for their edible seeds, which can be consumed raw or cooked. The seeds are typically present on flowering stems towards the end of fall. To test for maturity, crush a seed to check its center. The seed is ready when the middle is crumbly and starchy rather than milky and creamy. The taste should change from slightly sweet (when unripe) to starchy (when mature). Seeds will naturally drop from plants soon after they reach maturity, and it is a best practice to check regularly. The best time of the day to harvest seed heads is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Using sharp, clean shears or snips, cut the flowering stem and place it in a bag or container. Bring them indoors and then hand-strip the seeds. To dry the seeds, spread them in an even single layer on a screen or sheet at room temperature in a dark, dry space for 2 to 3 weeks. The seeds can then be stored in a glass jar in a cool, dark, dry cupboard. The seeds can be ground into a nutritious flour or made into a warm mush.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These grasses are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. The appearance of this grass can be improved by removing any dead growth in early spring. Clumps should be cut back to 3 to 6 inches above the ground in late winter every couple of years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. These grasses are generally very slow to spread, but if they do outgrow their allotted space, they can be divided and replanted. For instructions on how to successfully divide Sporobolus grasses, see the Propagation section below. The life expectancy of these grasses is a few decades in the landscape, though most will freely re-seed in the garden, providing volunteer grasses that can be dug up and planted elsewhere indefinitely.
Growing Sporobolus in Containers
Sacaton is commonly grown in the ground, but can also be grown in containers on patios and walkways. Choose a large container that is at least a 1 to 3 gallon size (12 to 18 inches wide) to accommodate the plant's mature root ball. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite. Top soil with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new container. At maturity, they are considered drought tolerant, but will need more water than their in-ground counterparts. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. The appearance of these grasses can be improved by removing any dead growth in early springtime. Clumps should be cut back to 3 to 6 inches in late winter every couple of years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. Every few years these grasses will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Sporobolus, see the Propagation section below.
Harvesting Sporobolus
In addition to being wispy additions to landscapes, these grasses are also cultivated for their cut flowers, which are used in both fresh and dried arrangements. They add airy texture and height, and are typically harvested in mid summer to early fall. Foliage color becomes most vibrant at this time of the year. To ensure color retention, make sure to harvest them before they start to lose their color. Use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or snips to avoid damaging stems and prevent the spread of disease. Cut at the base of stems, and immediately drop them into a bucket of cool water. Fresh stems have a vase life of about two weeks. To dry stems, bunch them and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry area after harvesting. Once completely dried, handle with care to avoid breaking the brittle stems. They can be added to long-lasting dry bouquets, wreaths, or used in other floral crafts.
In addition to being cultivated for their cut flowering stems, these grasses are also grown for their edible seeds, which can be consumed raw or cooked. The seeds are typically present on flowering stems towards the end of fall. To test for maturity, crush a seed to check its center. The seed is ready when the middle is crumbly and starchy rather than milky and creamy. The taste should change from slightly sweet (when unripe) to starchy (when mature). Seeds will naturally drop from plants soon after they reach maturity, and it is a best practice to check regularly. The best time of the day to harvest seed heads is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Using sharp, clean shears or snips, cut the flowering stem and place it in a bag or container. Bring them indoors and then hand-strip the seeds. To dry the seeds, spread them in an even single layer on a screen or sheet at room temperature in a dark, dry space for 2 to 3 weeks. The seeds can then be stored in a glass jar in a cool, dark, dry cupboard. The seeds can be ground into a nutritious flour or made into a warm mush.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Sporobolus, or Sacaton, is best propagated through division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid or species cultivar. To propagate your Sacaton, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Sporobolus by Seed
Propagating Sporobolus by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Sporobolus by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, and a spray bottle. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest seeds in late fall. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded, and are typically held above the foliage on thin stems. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
- Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Propagating Sporobolus by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Separate the removed patch of grass into sections using a sharp, clean knife or trowel. Ensure that each division has a healthy root system and a few shoots. Any dried out areas with dead roots can be tossed in the compost.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with well-draining soil and compost and work it in. Water thoroughly, and then plant divisions.
- Keep soil consistently moist as the newly-planted divisions establish strong root systems in their new home. Provide regular waterings, especially during dry spells.
Problems and Pests
Sporobolus plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Aphids
- Root Rot
- Crown Rot
- Smut Fungus
Gallery
These grasses can add height and mounding, soft greenery to large areas of the landscape.
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Sporobolus grasses produce flowers that are held well above the foliage.
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These grasses are very drought-tolerant.
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Videos
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 611, Sporobolus
