Sand Dropseed

Sporobolus cryptandrus

Physical Characteristics

Sporobolus cryptandrus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Montana, Pennsylvania and Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked[257]. It can be parched, ground into a flour and eaten dry or made into a mush[61, 101, 105, 183]. The ground seed can also be added to biscuits, breads and other cereal concoctions[183, 257]. The tiny seed is easily freed from its husks[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known