Tall Dropseed

Common Name: Tall Dropseed
Species Name: Sporobolus compositus
Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like
Family Name: Poaceae, Grass family


Plant Facts
Origin	Native
Duration	Perennial
Season	Warm
Distribution in the U.S.	Throughout the country other than the extreme southeast and far west
Distribution in Oklahoma	Throughout the state

ID Characteristics

Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Sheath partially surrounding seed head
- Seed head narrow and vertical
- Spikelets noted for bird beak appearance at tip
Floral
- Dropping leaves thin, “wiry” leaf tips
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Plant Height: 25-200 centimeters
- Ligule Type: Ciliate membranous
- Sheath: Glabrous
- Leaves: Basal and cauline
Floral Characteristics
- Inflorescence Type: Panicles
- Florets Per Spikelet: 1
- Glumes: Unequal


Habitat/Ecology
Soil Type	Clay
Habitat	Wet and dry prairies, glades and dry open woods
Successional Stage	Mid to late