Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepsis) is a beautiful sun loving ‘clump’ grass found in high-quality prairies. Recognizable by her narrow thread-like leaves that spring from ground level, this petite performer stretches skyward and then flexes gracefully back to her beginnings like a youthful ballerina.
Growing up to 36” in height when in full flower, she eventually creates a very dense circular base that radiates a variety of colors depending on the individual plant and the time of year. Foliage colors range anywhere from Granny Smith apple green, or dusty blue-gray in late spring to copper gold by mid fall. Her small, humble white-tan flowers offer a modest bloom in July and August that leave a delightful theater popcorn fragrance in their wake as seed heads form and take center stage for several weeks.
Often introduced early in the development of restoration sites, Prairie dropseed establishment offers a sorely needed gentle presence as a role model in healthy prairie plant community. Not in such a rush to crowd others like big prairie grasses such as big bluestem or Indian grass, Prairie dropseed practices holding her place and performing on cue as the season demands.
With maturity comes grace and beauty. As the 4th or 5th season closes on this fully formed prairie participant, she executes an applaud-able and reliable performance.
Her off stage skills such root mass can be established and fostered when raised in a nursery situation before launching her into a career on nature’s crowded stage. This can be a positive early experience for this beauty as well as her personal manager as it provides a faster overall performance that is rewarding but not always fiscally possible with restoration projects.
General Eco- care management recommendations in cultivated spaces include planting this perennial Missouri native in early spring in full sun and average soil with good drainage. Minimize neighboring root competition within the immediate perimeter of the central crown and supply reliable moisture, especially during drought periods during the establishment phase. Prairie dropseed is drought tolerant following establishment. This could take as long as 4-5 years when grown from seed.
Annual plant care includes cutting back foliage to a height of 4 inches in late winter-early spring just as the new growth begins. Division is not required as long as the crown center supports new growth. If crown core die back is noted when the foliage is trimmed, consider rejuvenating the plant’s growth by creating new plant divisions.
To divide this perennial grass, use a sharp spade to lift the clump and divide into 4 triangular pie sections. Keep as much roots as possible intact. Remove the dieback tip section on each piece and replant the remaining sections at ground level. Avoid planting too high or too deep. Dividing down to less than 4” pieces of crown increases the chance of loss, the length of recovery period and its appearance.
Always follow Show Me Smart Gardening's Best Management Practices, by watering well following root disturbance activities which includes transplanting. Bloom period is likely to be delayed for as much as one to two years following this procedure. Compost all plant debris. Inspect affected plants frequently- daily if possible. Watch for soil settling away from crown, wildlife dislodging plants from soil. Maintain adequate moisture levels within the plant’s root reach.
Emerging new growth indicates the establishment process has begun. Continue monitoring the individual plants throughout the establishment period. Do not fertilize any plant material unless nutrient deficiency symptoms are apparent. If this occurs, perform specific soil testing for the immediate area for exact recommendations to match the needs of this specific plant. Avoid water runoff and pollution whenever applying fertilizer. Prairie dropseed has been reported to show some salt tolerance and therefore may be useful in public and commercial plantings where snow removal is a factor.
This is just one of the many plants available for adoption through the new Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center Campus Adopt a Wild One Adoption Program and Eco-Stewardship School. This is a call for GREAT Volunteers (Green Ribbon Environmental Advocates (&) Tudors) for Fostering and training.
This DC volunteer training program will offer personal and on line horticulture coaching about the Discovery Center’s native plant communities, natural habitats and the plants in residence on the campus . You choose the Wild Ones you adopt according to your interest!
As a GREAT Volunteer / Foster Parent of a Wild One, you become the guardian/ caretaker for a particular plant, shrub or tree on the campus. You will receive a personalized adoption certificate, fact sheet about the history of your selection, its function and attributes as well as become involved with its care management. Your name will be posted as one of our GREAT Volunteers caring for The Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center’s Campus.
If you enroll in the Eco-Stewardship School, you will have an opportunity to choose which 25 difference species of Wild Ones you wish to study and promote on the campus. This is a two-year foster care commitment that includes hourly volunteer recognition and hourly minimums for certification. Specific horticulture knowledge will be required to graduate.
Eco-Steward School Graduates will receive special recognition as part of our Eco-Steward School Honor Roll! Your Eco-Steward School Certificate of Knowledge will list your horticulture areas of expertise. It is a customized program fitted to the needs of the flora within the boundaries of the Anita B. Discovery Center's Campus.
As a graduate of this program you will have, a working knowledge as a Wild One Care Manager for these plants and their specific care. As Eco-Steward School alumni, you will be encouraged to promote the eco- benefits of the specific plants you studied during your training. Plans for continuing education programs and opportunities are being formulated and we look forward to your input as this program evolves. Contact MaryAnn Fink @636-939-9079 to find out how you can Adopt a Wild One now! (This adult volunteer program is open to the general public as well as green industry professionals in in the Kansas City area)
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