National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Support the National Park Service
Wind Cave National ParkFalse Gromwell Seedling
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Wind Cave National Park
Seed Study - Sporobolus cryptandrus
Sporobolus cryptandrus - Sand Dropseed
NPS Graphic
Sporobolus cryptandrus - Sand Dropseed

Species: Sporobolus cryptandrus
Common name: sand dropseed

Vegetative identification: Growth is decumbent. Leaves are concave, wide, short, smooth and dark green in color. Leaf tips are often inrolled. There is a conspicuous ring of long hairs at the collar, giving the plant the look of wearing an Elizabethan collar.

 
Picture of Sporobolus cryptandrus - Sand Dropseed
NPS Photo
 
 
Sporobolus cryptandrus – sand dropseed
Average number of good seeds per gram bulk matter: 4040
Average number of good seeds per gram cleaned: n.m.
Commercial estimates of seeds per gram: 3876
Percent seed: 90.6
Percent live: 84
Collection dates: September 2 and 7
Collection effort: 12 grams in 4 person hours
Collection notes: Large numbers of seeds can be collected in a short amount of time from one plant, but seed producing plants are not common (at least not in 2004). The seed drops within a couple of days after maturing so timing is critical for successful collection.
Cleaning notes: As picked with empty seeds and a few rachises.
American bison on the Wind Cave National Park prairie  

Did You Know?
The American bison is the largest terrestrial mammal in North America. Male bison can weigh a ton and can run 35 miles per hour. Do not approach bison. They weigh more and can outrun you.
more...

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: September 15, 2007 at 15:22 EST