Sporobolus wrightii

Sunset

Zones 3-24, 31, 32

Full

Moderate, Minimal

Giant Sacaton Grass
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants

SPOROBOLUS

Graceful, fine-textured, clumping grasses that are as tough as they are good-looking. Deep-rooted and drought tolerant; excellent for massing in hot, dry areas and effective in meadow gardens, mixed borders, naturalized areas, rock gardens, even by swimming pools. Plume-like flower heads appear in summer and fall. After they fade, tiny seeds drop to the ground; hence the common name. These plants tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.

Sporobolus wrightii

Native in North America from 2,000 to 7,000 feet elevation. Narrow, arching, blue-green leaves form a clump 3 to 4 ft. high and wide. Feathery, golden yellow seed heads nearly double the plant’s height in late summer to early fall; good in dried arrangements. Evergreen in all but the coldest climates. Quite drought tolerant but looks best with occasional deep watering.