Sporobulous heterolepis - PRAIRIE DROPSEED
TANYA'S TAKE I tried to grow this plant a very long time ago in Michigan...but it didn't work out. Probably too much shade...willing to try again here in full sun as it is widely tolerant of all types of soils. When mature can withstand extreme drought. As a testament to this, if you travel south on North Capitol to New York Ave, on the right is a triangle of property behind the typical DC government iron fence. Easily 10 years ago they planted Prairie Dropseed there. While most have died, there are a few very robust hangers on. That is a super tough spot. No water. 100% blazing sun plus 10+ degrees hotter due to the asphalt and cars and constant wind from the vehicles. These can be super tough plants.
Pollinators served Birds use the grass for nests and overwintering.
Color and texture Fine textured, shaggy, mophead appearance.
Flowers n/a
Height 1-2' x 2-3'
Sun, part shade or shade? Sun. Full blazing sun.
Is it a bully? No.
Drought tolerance Quite a lot, but as with most plants, they need water to establish and will do better with at least some water.
Toughness rating Super tough
Should you give this plant a try? Yes. Full sun, average moisture should do this plant right.
Is this native? Yup. DC, MD and VA
What is a native plant plug?
A small plant about 1.5" x 1.5" x 5". Yep, it’s pretty small. But they are incredibly well rooted and ready to grow.
With a season of growth, they'll be roughly the size of a gallon plant and fully acclimated to your conditions.
Why does Bipartisan Gardens focus on selling native plant plugs?
It's a 45 min drive to the nearest native plant nursery. That is a barrier for many people so we provide easy access to native plants at a cost effective price.
We want you to have birds and bees in your yard…you can buy native plants online, right here, right now and pick them up close to your home!
Benefits/uses of plant plugs
1 - Establish new areas of garden beds quickly and inexpensively.
Native plant plugs allow you to purchase multiple plants cost effectively. You can establish robust plantings quickly to have flowers and dense, weed blocking plantings this year.
2- Buy a sampler!
From this sale you can also try native pollinator plants in a cost effective way. Not sure a plant will work for you? Just $4-5 lets you see if it’ll work. You can try as many as you like and see what works for different locations in your yard without breaking the bank.
3 – We provide a variety of natives that you won’t see in many nurseris. From sun to shade, native specites to tried and true native cultivars we strive to bring a variety to you.
4 - Did I mention they are cheap?? At $4-5 per plant they are a cost effective investment this year for next year's garden.
To put this in context, at a nursery native plants are between $13-20 per plant. While those plants are larger, they typically only have one extra season of growth on them. Buying small and waiting is an excellent investment!
PICK UP LOCATION options
PETWORTH
4011 8th St NW DC 20011
TAKOMA
808 Aspen St NW DC 20012
NOMA - yes, you can pick up at the Farmers Market. Leave a note for me during checkout on the Cart Page.
PICK UP DAYS AND TIMES OPTIONS
PETWORTH
4011 8th St NW DC 20011 on Tuesday 6-8pm
TAKOMA
808 Aspen St NW DC 20012
You can pick up Friday 5/22 onward. On the CART page, leave me a note.
NoMa folks - yes, you can pick up at the Farmers Market. Leave a note for me during checkout on the Cart Page.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
The plants will come with basic care and planting instructions.
A few quick FAQ's Planting immediately is best, but it is ok to leave them in their containers in a cool shady spot for a few days. Keep them watered, they are small they dry very quickly. Dig a small hole, plant and water thoroughly. Don't forget to label them!
Choose options
have a question?
We love them. Drop us a note right here!