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| ## Florida dropseed {#florida-dropseed .Title-Header}                 |
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| *Sporobolus floridanus* Chapman                                       |
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| Plant Symbol = SPFL3                                                  |
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*Contributed By: USDA NRCS National Plant Data*

*Center*

# ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.792361111111111in" height="4.175in"}

###### Uses

Cattle graze Florida dropseed occasionally deer use it during the spring
and summer.

## Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status, such as, state noxious
status, and wetland indicator values.

## Description

Grass Family (Poaceae). Florida dropseed is a native, warm‑season,
perennial bunch grass. The height ranges from 2‑1/2 to 3‑1/2 feet. The
leaf blade is mostly basal, wide, and folded at the base. The upper part
is usually flat, slightly twisted with saw‑toothed bristles on the edge.
The leaf sheath is keeled, the basal ones hairy at the throat, and the
base hard and shining. The ligule is hairy. The seedhead is an open
panicle 12 to 20 inches long and only 1 or 2 seed stalks are produced
from single bunch.

*Distribution*: For current distribution, please consult the Plant
Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

# Management

# This grass increases on areas grazed during the winter and on which grazing is deferred during the summer. Burning does not easily damage Florida dropseed.

# 

# Establishment

Growth starts in the late spring. It produces seedheads in October. It
usually scattered throughout plant community, although pure stands do
occur. It is adapted to poorly drained soils that have a low pH.

## Cultivars, Improved and Selected Materials (and area of origin) 

Please contact your local NRCS Field Office.

## 

**Reference**

Leithead, H.L., L.L. Yarlett, & T.N. Shiflett. 1976. 100 native forage
grasses in 11 southern states. USDA SCS *Agriculture Handbook No. 389*,
Washington, DC.

## Prepared By & Species Coordinator:

*Percy Magee*, USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana

Edited: 13may02 ahv; jul03 ahv; 20sep05 jsp; 070116 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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