Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara' (Prairie Dropseed) Unity Grown

Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara' is a dwarf, ornamental variety of prairie dropseed, is a perennial grass native to a variety of areas across North America; though once common, Sporobolus heterolepis is now considered endangered through its historic range in five states, including Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. As a dwarf variety, 'Tara' grows to a consistent size of around 12" in height and width, occasionally getting taller with its late summer/early fall flower spikes. Prized as a compact ornamental, 'Tara' prairie dropseed has smooth blades of foliage which grow together in upright, vase-like clumps, making for an attractive groundcover when planted in masses, and making for a valuable host plant for a variety of butterfly and moth larvae in any location.

In late summer and early fall, prairie dropseed produces airy, upright flower spikes as well as a unique fragrance which has been described as spicy, herbal, and nutty. The 'tara' cultivar's compact, upright habit means that these flowers and eventual seeds are showy and add multi-season appeal to the landscape from late summer well into the winter. And beyond aesthetic value, seeds are dispersed by gravity or by expulsion from the plant, leading to small colonies of the grass over time. During the fall and winter especially, Sporobolus heterolepis seed attracts a wide variety of birds, including sparrows, juncos, and other songbirds. Since 'Tara' is a bit smaller, it tends to handle drought and poor, rocky soils even better than its parent species, and will grow just as well in full sun as it will in dappled sun near black walnut trees.