Sporobolus Horidanus Chapm., Florida dropseed 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season , perennial bunch grass. 
Height : 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 feet. 
Leaf blade: Mostly basal; wide; folded at base; upper part 
usually flat ; slightly twisted ; saw-toothed bristles on edge. 
Leaf sheath: Keeled; basal ones hairy at throat; base hard 
and shining. 
Ligule: Hairy. 
Seedhead: Open panicle 12 to 20 inches long; only 1 or 2 
seedstalks produced from single bunch. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in late spring. Produces seedheads in October. 
Usually scattered throughout plant community, although pure 
stands do occur. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Lower Coastal Plain from middle of North Carolina to central 
Florida. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Adapted to poorly drained soils that have a low pH. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Florida dropseed is grazed by cattle and occasionally by deer 
during spring and summer. 
This grass increases on areas grazed during winter and on 
which grazing is deferred during summer. It is not easily dam- 
aged by burning. 
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