Family: Poaceae
northern drop-seed, prairie drop-seed
[Vilfa heterolepis A.Gray]
Etymology: Sporobolus: Greek spora for "seed" and ballein for "to cast forth" referring to dropping seeds at maturity
Plants: perennial, 2'-4' tall grass
Flowers: blooms Aug.-Sept.
Habitat: full sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: perennial, 2'-4' tall grass
Flowers: blooms Aug.-Sept.
Habitat: full sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FACU- Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions. Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Grasses of Iowa: Detailed photographs, descriptions, maps
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions. Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Grasses of Iowa: Detailed photographs, descriptions, maps