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Sporobolus Tara

SPTA Prairie Dropseed

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

Scented Seed Heads Welcome Songbirds

Shorter and more upright than the species; the fine-textured, vase-shaped foliage turns a gorgeous toasty orange red in autumn. Scented seed heads rise well above the foliage offering a welcome feast for songbirds. Oh fiddle dee dee, you might just want two or three! Sporobolus Tara produces more seed heads with consistent height and does not freely self-seed. Due to its shorter stature, it is a perfectly suited ornamental grass for rock gardens and foreground plantings. Prairie Dropseed is ideal for stabilizing slopes prone to erosion.

Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Height Short 1' (2' in flower)

Spacing Plant 2-3' apart

Bloom Time Late Summer to Mid-Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Growing Zones 3-9

Soil Type Normal, Clay

Water Needs Low

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Fragrant
Winter Interest
For a Slope or Bank
Hot Dry Site Tolerant

Botanical Name

Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara'

Sporobolus General Information

Sporobolus are easy to grow and low maintenance. Fine-textured foliage forms a dense arching tuft. Seed fronds provide food for songbirds. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, including rocky or clay, but prefers a well-draining site for best performance. Ornamental grasses are restricted in Oregon.

Sporobolus Plant Care

Once established Sporobolus is long lived and needs little care. Drought tolerant, but requires regular watering for the first growing season to establish. Can be divided in Spring if desired. Tease out old, tired foliage in spring.

All potted plant material is restricted from shipping to Idaho

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
Zone 5: Late April to Early May
Zone 6: Mid to Late April
Zone 7: Early to Mid April
Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
Zone 5: Early to Mid September
Zone 6: Mid September
Zone 7: Mid to Late September
Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October