Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple Lovegrass)

One of the most visually striking native grasses for the poorest, sandiest sites, purple lovegrass turns a genuinely spectacular purplish-pink haze in late summer - exactly where few other plants can establish at all.

Species Overview

Eragrostis spectabilis, commonly known as purple lovegrass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to North America. It thrives in sandy soils, open fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas, often flourishing in full sun and well-drained conditions. This grass forms dense clumps and its slender leaves turn a striking reddish-purple color in late summer to early fall, when airy panicles of tiny purplish flowers create a hazy, colorful display.

Application

• Restoration on dry, sandy, or gravelly soils where few other plants survive
• Late-season ornamental accent plantings, particularly in masses
• Erosion control on poor, disturbed, or roadside soils
• Wildlife habitat - seeds are a food source for birds

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry, sandy, or gravelly, infertile soils
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry, sandy-soil specialist; not tolerant of standing water.
• Growth Rate: Slow - spreads slowly by seed and rhizome
• Plant Type: Graminoid
• Mature Height: 1-2 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Purple; August-October
• Wetland Indicator Status: UPL (Obligate Upland, regional source) - see flags
• Native Range: Maine to South Dakota, south to Florida, Texas, and Arizona
• Hydrology: Dry
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Pollinator Value: None significant - wind-pollinated