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California Native Plant

Sporobolus airoides

Alkali Sacaton or Dropseed

Plant photo of: Sporobolus airoides
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Information by:         Photographer: Susan Frommer

 

Description

This attractive grass reaches 4' tall and 2' wide. Pink inflorescences which look like wispy flowers, appear in summer and fall. These inflorescences are actually seed heads that attract birds; cattle and horses will eat them too! Leaves are long, thin and gray green; will curl if it goes dormant. This grass is used for revegetation; it can grow in alkaline, moist soils. It does best in full sun in hot areas.

 

Plant Type

Grass

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Pink

Flower Season

Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

n/a

Seasonal Interest

Summer

Location Uses

Park, Roadside, With Rocks

Special Uses

Mass Planting, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.