Poaceae
purple lovegrass
Eragrostis spectabilis
Synonyms
Eragrostis pectinacea var. spectabilis
Eragrostis greyeri
Megastachya spectabilis
Poa amabilis
Poa hirsuta var. spectabilis
Poa spectabilis
Other Common Names
tumble grass
Plant Type
Grass/Grass-like
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
1 ft. tall
1 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Deer, Drought
Inolerant of
Poorly Drained Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun
Propagation
By seed, By division
Plant Planting Notes
Space a minimum of 12″
Plants/Diseases
Occasionally, aphids, spittlebugs, and leaf spot can be a problem.
Wildlife Benefits
Fruit/seeds for birds
Leaves
The needle-shaped leaves all emerge from a basal rosette. Average approximately 6 inches long and 3/8″ wide. Rough to the touch.
Flowers
The minute flowers are arranged in a panicle with a messy, loose appearance.
Fruit
Dark brown Caryopsis about 0.8 mm long.
Toxicity
No known toxicity.
USDA Hardiness Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Exposure
Full Sun
Soil Moisture
Medium, Moist
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
fields and on the margins of woods, along roadsides, and in other disturbed sites, usually in sandy to clay loam soils.
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Common throughout South Carolina