Prairie Dropseed is a great grass to include in the landscape. It is the host plant to 3 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org), including the state endangered Ottoe Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). The foliage is eaten by grasshoppers and the seeds are eaten by sparrows and other granivorous songbirds, including Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco (illinoiswildflower.info).
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Prairie Dropseed is a great grass to include in the landscape. It is the host plant to 3 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org), including the state endangered Ottoe Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). The foliage is eaten by grasshoppers and the seeds are eaten by sparrows and other granivorous songbirds, including Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco (illinoiswildflower.info).
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full-Partial shade
Soil Moisture: Medium/wet – Dry
Height: 2 feet
Plant Spacing: 2-3 feet
Bloom Time: August-October
Advantages: Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Great Landscaping
Host Plant: 3 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Beneficial for Endangered or Threatened Species: Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia ottoe) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/)
