Giant Dropseed (Sporobolus giganteus)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Sporobolus giganteus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). 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. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a flour and cooked as a porridge, or can be used as a cereal substitute when making bread, cakes etc. An easily harvested seed, but it is very small and its use as a food has almost disappeared. — Seed - raw or cooked.; It can be ground into a flour and cooked as a porridge, or can be used as a cereal substitute when making bread, cakes etc.; An easily harvested seed, but it is very small and its use as a food has almost disappeared.

Habitat & North American Range

Mesas and sandhills. Sand dunes and sandy areas along rivers and roadsides, at elevations from 100 - 1830 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)