Sporobolus heterolepis #1 (Prairie Dropseed)

Prairie Dropseed is a soft, medium green, see-thru grass that grows to about 1′ tall and round by early summer before bursting into bloom. Its long, arching flower stems rise above the foliage to 3′ with open and airy panicles. The flowers emit a subtle fragrance in late summer that some say is reminiscent of buttered popcorn. It is an easy-to-grow, well-behaved and long-lived perennial. Despite the name Dropseed, it does not readily self-sow around the garden.

This plant is an excellent native replacement for non-native Fountain Grass. It can be planted along pathways as a distinctive border plant, underplanted with Barren Strawberry, used as an accent in rock gardens, or used in a matrix planting. It becomes an alluring apricot color in autumn, fading to a coppery bronze, and the fine texture of the foliage remains attractive throughout the winter months. The seeds are favored by many granivorous bird species.

Sources:
Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina
The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden by Roy Diblik
Gardening with Grasses by Michael King and Piet Oudolf
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
Grow Native! Salt-Tolerant Native Plants