2022-2023 Hoffman Nursery Catalog of Grasses & Sedges

Sorghastrum nutans
Sporobolus heterolepis
SOR-SPA
YELLOW PRAIRIE GRASS
A major grass of the North American prairie and
considered one of the most beautiful. Foliage
grows in a mounding, 2' arching shape. Six-foot
culms emerge late summer topped with feathery
plumes, which hold intricate flower structures.
Its seeds attract songbirds. A wonderful
drought-tolerant grass for prairies, meadows, or
backgrounds.
Warm season, green, 2’, 6’ with blooms, sun, dry,
flowers late summer, Zones 4-9, Origin: North
America
Sorghastrum nutans
PRAIRIE DROPSEED
One of the major prairie grasses, and perhaps
the most ornamental and popular. Grows in a
graceful mound with narrow, deep green, arching
blades. In midsummer, stalks with delicate,
open panicles rise above the foliage. Fall color
is coppery orange. Makes a lush lawn alternative
when planted in masses. In bloom, emits
an aroma some say resembles a cross between
cilantro and roasted nuts.
Warm season, green, 2’, 3’ with blooms, sun, dry,
flowers midsummer, Zones 4-9, Origin: North
America
Sporobolus heterolepis
SPOROBOLUS
Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel'
BLUE PRAIRIE GRASS
Attractive native grass cultivar: steel-blue foliage
with hints of light green, 5' flower spikes topped
with yellow flowers, and beautiful bronze fall
color. Tolerant of drought and poor soil; requires
little maintenance. A great choice for sustainable
landscapes, natural areas, and modern
designs. Rich soil and too much fertilizer cause
weak growth.
Warm season, blue-green, 2’-3’, 5’ with blooms, sun,
dry-average, flowers late summer, Zones 4-9, Origin:
North America
Sporobolus heterolepis ‘Tara’
Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara'
DWARF PRAIRIE DROPSEED
This compact Prairie Dropseed grows in a tight,
vase shape. It is shorter, more upright, and
more uniform than the species. Fine-textured,
light green summer foliage turns rust-red in fall.
Scented seed heads rise above foliage. Superb
in foregrounds, rock gardens, borders, masses,
or meadows. Introduced by plantsman Roy Diblik
of Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, WI.
Warm season, green, 1’, 2’ with blooms, sun,
dry-average, flowers midsummer, Zones 4-9, Origin:
North America
Sorghastrum nutans ‘Indian Steel’
Sporobolus wrightii
Spartina bakeri
CORD GRASS
A beautiful narrow-leaved, clumping native
grass. An excellent backdrop for perennials and
very effective in masses. Although native to the
edges of lakes, canals, and streams, it is also
found in dry, sandy soil, making it versatile for
dry or wet sites. A favorite of designers for defining
borders and providing transitions. Drought
tolerant once established.
Warm season, green, 5’, inconspicuous flowers, sun,
dry-wet, Zones 6-9, Origin: North America
Spartina bakeri
GIANT SACATON
A native grass beauty. Arching, narrow blades
are topped with showy 1'-2' plumes; blooms
persist well into winter. Impressive specimen,
accent, or solution to erosion on slopes. Grows
in semi-desert habitats, and to a lesser extent
in moist clay flats, floodplains, desert lakes, and
marshes. Drought, salt, and alkaline tolerant. In
mild climates, retains some green foliage yearround.
An excellent substitution for Miscanthus.
Warm season, green, 3’-5’, 6’ with blooms, sun,
dry-wet, flowers early-midsummer, Zones 5-9, Origin:
Southwestern U.S.
Sporobolus wrightii
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