Sporobolus wrightii
Giant Dropseed or Sacaton
Description
Feather seed heads to 7' in late summer. Plants reach to 3-4'. Grows from 2000-7000' in dry, alkaline, sandy open ground or rocky slopes. A great accent grass. Cut back in late winter for fresh regrowth. Gray green leaves fade to yellow for fall then to beige in winter. the summer blooms are very showy. Very tough and deep rooted. Good for alkaline conditions.
Plant Type
Grass
Height Range
3-6'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Green, Light Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Meadow, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Silhouette
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Location Uses
Parking Strip, Parking Lot, Roadside, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Apply a 2" layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost, or aged sawdust.
Inorganic mulches such as gravel are also acceptable.