Sporobolus heterolepsis ‘Tara’ – Dwarf Prairie Dropseed

A dwarf version of this elegant prairie species. It typically grows in the form of a vase – much more stiffly upright and less arching than the species. The foliage reaches about 12″ tall, with attractive flowering spikes rising in summer well above the foliage to 24″ tall. Orange-red fall color can be spectacular. The seeds are eaten by sparrows and other granivorous songbirds from late summer into winter, including Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco. ‘Tara’ was selected and introduced by Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, WI.