This graceful prairie grass flourishes in dry, rocky soils and full sun, but it tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils. Its fine-textured, green foliage forms an arching mound up to 20" tall. The leaves turn golden with orange hues in fall, fading to light bronze in winter. Pink-and-brown flower panicles on slender stems rise well above the foliage clump in late summer to 36" tall. The scent of the flowers has been described as resembling a mixture of coriander, popcorn, honey, sunflower seeds, and melted wax.
 
Tiny, round seeds drop to the ground in autumn, giving rise to the common name. The genus name comes from the Greek words sporos, meaning "seed," and ballo, meaning "to throw," in reference to how the seeds are dispersed. 
 
Native habitats include prairies, glades, open ground, and along railroads in parts of the central and western United States and southern Canada.
 
Plant Characteristics: 
Grows 15-36" tall and 18" wide.
 
Prefers full sun.
 
Prefers dry, rocky soils but grows in a variety of dry to average, well-drained soils, including heavy clay. Has good drought tolerance.
 
Wildlife Value:
Provides seeds for birds such as sparrows and juncos. Dense, fountain-like clumps offer excellent cover and nesting habitat for small birds and beneficial insects. Supports a range of grassland butterflies and skippers as a larval host, and its deep roots improve soil health and support soil-dwelling organisms.
 
Resources:
Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f680