This ornamental grass can "go it alone", handling dry periods with ease. It does best in sandy soils with excellent drainage. There is no need for trimming this plant, but it can be cut down low in late winter or early spring. If left alone, it will go through seasons in different colors and then stay clumped in the coldest temperatures. Best yet, throughout the year, it has low water needs.

Despite its common name, the ornamental grass known as Prairie Dropseed will generally not spread seeds and self-sow. Instead, it stays within its bounds nicely. It is a slow-growing mounding/clumping grass with blades thin and long enough to drape down for a fountain effect. Prairie Dropseed shows off true green in summer and then turns golden orange in fall. Late summer, flowers appear, but they will not steal the show. Instead, what makes this plant special are its very fine blades which move with the breeze, along with its clumping formation which reminds us of untouched prairie scenes. It is a very nice addition to any landscape.

For more information please see our article on choosing, locating, planting and maintaining ground cover plants.