Giant Dropseed

Sporobolus giganteus

Physical Characteristics

Sporobolus giganteus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). 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 and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Oklahoma and Colorado to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked[177]. It can be ground into a flour and cooked as a porridge[257], or can be used as a cereal substitute when making bread, cakes etc. An easily harvested seed, but it is very small and its use as a food has almost disappeared[K, 216].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known