Common Name: Texas Dropseed

General Information

Sporobolus texanus is a a clump-forming, perennial grass with erect to ascending culms 30 - 70cm tall.
The plant is used within its native range to reclaim and stabilize soils.
This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western and central N. America - Utah to Nebraska, south to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas

Habitat

Mesas, valleys and salt marshes[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is adapted to soils with higher saline and alkaline levels[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Texas dropseed has the ability to tolerate higher levels of salinity and alkalinity in the soil. It can be used to revegetate areas such as oil well pads and on other saline soils[].
The plant has very thick vegetation near the soil surface which can be used to stabilize soils that have a tendency to erode[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise, grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year.
Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.