Sand Dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Sporobolus cryptandrus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - raw or cooked. It can be parched, ground into a flour and eaten dry or made into a mush. The ground seed can also be added to biscuits, breads and other cereal concoctions. The tiny seed is easily freed from its husks. — Seed - raw or cooked.; It can be parched, ground into a flour and eaten dry or made into a mush.; The ground seed can also be added to biscuits, breads and other cereal concoctions.; The tiny seed is easily freed from its husks.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy soils by the coast. Grasslands and disturbed sites. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)