Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Diné bikéyah Chi’l nooséłígíí Bąąhą́ą́nosin
Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Dropseed, spike
Tł’ohyilzólídeeníní

Bunchy growth habit with stems and seed spikes
Patrick Alexander
Sheaths of Sporobolus contractus leaves are hairy around the margins.

Spike dropseed has fair nutritional value, and many species of livestock will graze it. Various wildlife species, particularly upland birds, also feed on it, and it provides good cover for birds and small mammals.

Spike dropseed is a native, perennial bunchgrass with erect stems that grow three feet tall. Spike dropseed begins growing in the spring when moisture levels increase, and it and matures to produce seed in October. It can reseed itself following overgrazing or drought; however, proper management is required to ensure the plant is not overgrazed or over utilized by livestock or wildlife.

Thin, elongated seed spikes
Patrick Alexander
Spike dropseed has tall erect stems
Leaf sheath alongside a seed spike
Patrick Alexander
Grassland habitat
Patrick Alexander
Three slender grass stalks with seeds.
Patrick Alexander
Sheaths of Sporobolus contractus leaves are hairy around the margins.
Scientific Name
Sporobolus contractus
Plant Type
Grass / Grasslike
Growing Season
Warm Season
Stem Placement
Basal
Habitats
  • Grasslands
  • Wastelands
✓
Provides wildlife and livestock forage
For definitions, see the glossary.

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