Names
Scientific Name: Sporobolus cryptandrus
Synonym:
Common Names: Sand dropseed
Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Grass
Arizona Native Status: Native
Habitat: Dry, open sandy soils to cobbled, rocky slopes
Flower Color: Reddish or rust colored
Flowering Season: April to September
Height: Up to 3 feet
Description: Bunchgrass with spreading, lightly clumped stems, often topped by seed head that may extend to 10 inches in length. Leaves are blade-like, often between 4-8 inches in length, and may contain conspicuous white tuft at leaf base/sheath.
Special Characteristics
Sand dropseed may be planted singularly or included in an anti-erosion seed mix to prevent sandy soil loss due primarily to wind. This species may also be grazed by livestock and can increase in density if grazed consistently. Individual plants may perish due to overgrazing.
Classification
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
SOURCES:
Utah State University, Cooperative Extension Unit: extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/htm/sand-dropseed
United States Department of Agriculture, Plant Database: plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_spcr.pdf
