Sporobolus heterolepis

Tough and handsome native ornamental grass is especially useful in hot, dry areas. Narrow, fine-textured leaves form an arching, rounded mound, the leaves turning gold brushed with orange in fall, then tan in winter. Airy pinkish brown flowers rise well above the foliage in late summer, eventually dropping their mature seeds in late fall. Some say the flowers smell like popcorn with a hint of cilantro! Best in not-too-rich, sharply draining soil. Pairs well with Aster, Butterfly Weed (Asclepias) and Coneflower (Echinacea).