Native to the prairies, Prairie Dropseed, also known as Northern Dropseed, is a graceful, fine-textured grass that forms arching, fountain-like mounds.  The delicately fine leaves are emerald green in summer, turning gold with orange tints in the fall and remaining so throughout the winter. Inflorescence is a panicle, which is very fine and inconspicuous.

Prairie Dropseed blooms in late summer.  Its small flowers have a unique scent which some people describe as smelling like buttered popcorn; others like melted wax.

The plant is very non-aggressive in garden situations and does not spread.