Rough Dropseed (Sporobolus compositus)

$3.75

Rough Dropseed is a tough, warm-season bunchgrass that excels in the challenging conditions of dry, rocky prairies and open barrens. Reaching heights of two to four feet, it forms elegant tufts of slender, arching leaves that turn a warm tan in the winter. Its flower spikes are often partially hidden within the upper leaf sheaths, emerging in late summer to early fall. Native to much of central and eastern North America, it is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun and well-drained, poor soils. Ecologically, it provides vital food for seed-eating birds and serves as a host for several species of grasshoppers, which are important in the prairie food web. Its deep root system makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on dry slopes or in low-maintenance xeriscaping.

Quick facts

Height: 2–4 ft
Sun: Full
Soil moisture: Medium to Dry
Bloom time: Aug–Oct
Life cycle: Perennial
Notes: Warm-season
Native range: Native to 43 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Rough Dropseed

Return policy

Due to the nature of seed products, all sales are final. However, if you receive the wrong item or there is an issue with your order, please contact us within 7 days of delivery and we will make it right.

Shipping

Orders are typically processed within 2–5 business days. Shipping times vary based on your location and order size. You will receive tracking information once your order has shipped. For bulk or custom orders, shipping timelines may vary.

Manufacturing

All of our seeds are responsibly sourced and processed to ensure high quality and strong germination rates. We focus on native species adapted to regional conditions, helping support sustainable land management and long-term growth success.

A significant portion of our seed inventory is grown and harvested by our team to ensure the highest quality and consistency.

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Prices listed are standard. For bulk orders, contact us by phone or email.

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What customers say

Over 500
Happy Reviews

Nicholas was very helpful in finding the right cover crop as well as some pollinator mix for our yard.

Ben D.

Extremely knowledgeable staff! I was able to get a specific blend made for an EQIP planting. The plant site had some wetter soil and they were able to create a blend to hit the program requirements and my own land goals for the project

Highly recommend this company!

Jacob H.

Best dealer in Iowa, hands down. Great folks and full of knowledge about everything native!

Drake L.

Being a woman in a man's field they are very respectful and excellent in their service.

Sue M.

Very knowledgeable and easy to work with. They’ve done more than one crp seeding for me as well. They take care of everything and do it right!

Riley S.

These guys treated us like great lifelong neighbors. Nicolas provided great advice on the phone and through emails as my brother and I sorted out upgrading the CPR contract on our century farm. We got great seed, rented a drop seeder from Hocksey and we continue to learn lots from the Prairie Farm podcast.

Matt S.

10/10 would recommend this small town Iowa native seed company. Best in the state! The entire staff has a wealth of knowledge on all things native prairie and have vast experience customizing native seed mixes to fit any situation. We’ve used everything from pure backyard pollinator mixes to native warm season grasses and have had AMAZING success with all things Hoksey!

Justin K.