Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) A. Gray, sand dropseed 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, weak, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 2 to 3 feet. 
Leaf blade : Flat; about 1/8 inch wide; tapers toward tip; 
rolls inward as plant matures. 
Leaf sheath: Longer than internodes; upper sheath partly or 
entirely encloses seedhead. 
Ligule: Conspicuous tuft of long white hair. 
Seedhead: Open panicle densely flowered, often in pairs, 
sometimes hairy at axil of branch and stem; spikelets less 
than 1/8 inch long, lead colored; one glume twice as long 
as the other. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Grows best in association with other grasses but may grow in 
pure stands. Usually produces an abundant seed crop. Many seed 
are held between the stem and sheath until the plant deteriorates. 
Because seed remain viable for many years, this grass reseeds it- 
self readily on ranges following overgrazing or drought. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Most of United States except forested areas in Southeast and 
California; most common in southern Plains and in parts of 
Snake River plains in Idaho and Oregon. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows best on sandy soils at lower elevations of its range. Also 
grows on coarse, gravelly soils and at elevations to 8,000 feet. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Sand dropseed produces lots of forage that is fairly palatable to 
all livestock. 
This grass increases on ranges that are closely grazed during 
summer. 
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