Also known as African Dropseed · Parramatta Grass · Rat-Tail Grass
Sporobolus africanus is a clump-forming perennial grass with narrow, green leaves, often used for erosion control and as groundcover.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures, hardy to frost.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from light feeding in spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Sporobolus africanus thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain completely. This grass prefers well-draining soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months.
Prune Sporobolus africanus in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back the old foliage to about 5-10 cm above the ground. This encourages vigorous new growth and maintains a tidy appearance.
Remove any dead or damaged stems throughout the year.
Sporobolus africanus is easily propagated by division of established clumps in spring. Carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots.
Replant divisions immediately in well-draining soil.
Repotting is generally not required for Sporobolus africanus as it is typically grown outdoors and spreads via rhizomes. If grown in a container and it becomes pot-bound, repot in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sporobolus Africanus (Sporobolus africanus)
Where Sporobolus Africanus (Sporobolus africanus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Sporobolus |
| Species | Sporobolus africanus |
Similar in genus Sporobolus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
