Sporobolus cryptandrus (Sand dropseed)
Warm season, extremely drought tolerant, long-lived, perennial bunchgrass adapted to most soil textures but thrives on sandy sites. Fine, fibrous root system. Adapted to slightly acidic to slightly basic soils. Found on upland prairies and semidesert sites from low elevations up to 8,000 ft. Palatable summer forage to livestock and wildlife, but may increase excessively when animals prefer it less than other species. Pioneers disturbed and water-stressed sites. Establishes easily and is widely used for native restoration, controlling erosion and to stabilize sandy soils and dunes. Varieties listed below.
DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION
INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES
Family: Poaceae
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Graminoid
Native Status: Native
Season: Warm
Growth Form: Bunchgrass
Mature Height: 36 in.
Annual Precipitation: 8+ in.
Drought Tolerance: High
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
Elevation:
Fire Resistance: No
Fire Tolerance:
SOIL ADAPTATION
Coarse Texture: Yes
Medium Texture: Yes
Fine Texture: No
Salinity Tolerance: Medium
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
pH Range: 6.6-8.0
SEEDING NOTES
Seeds per Pound: 5,298,000
Seeding Rate: 1-2 PLS lbs/acre
Season: Spring/Summer
Days to Germination:
VARIETIES & LOCAL ACCESSIONS
Asotin - Source Identified selection from Asotin County, WA averaging 13-22 in. annual precipitation.
Western - Source Identified selection from Wheeler County, OR averaging 11-15 in. annual precipitation.