Botanical Name: Sporobolus wrightii
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Common Name: Giant Dropseed or Sacaton  
Plant photo of: Sporobolus wrightii
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, Blue Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Mountain States Nursery
  • Description

  • Notes

Giant dropseed is both taller and wider than most other dropseeds, reaching 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. It has an upward arching and mounding habit. Grey to blue-green foliage is narrow, giving it a fine texture; foliage turns yellow in fall and then beige. Pinkish flowers are tall and large, and are present Aug thru Oct. The overall effect is very architectural and striking. Stunning cut flowers.
Grows in full sun to bright shade in any well drained soil. Tolerant of dry, alkaline, sandy, or clay soils. Drought, salt, and high pH tolerant. Good for erosion control as it is deep rooted. Hardy to about -30f. Cut back in late winter; see Guides.