Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple lovegrass)

Found in dry, barren soil, this unassuming low growing grass is later appreciated for its long, airy panicles of reddish spikelets with widely spreading branches. The flowering period occurs from late summer to early fall. A grouping of purple lovegrass in bloom looks like a hazy mist of purple or silver.

In fall/winter, the seed head can separate and move in the wind like a tumbleweed, distributing the tiny dust-like seeds. Hence “tumblegrass” is another nickname for this plant.

 

Purple lovegrass is a host plant for the Zabulon Skipper butterfly. Birds use the plant for nesting material, and those that dwell on the ground use dense plantings for cover. The seeds have high nutritional value and are a food resource for birds and small mammals.

 

Lovegrass can be used as erosion control where few other plants will grow due to its hardy nature for poor soil and disturbed sites. It can take light foot traffic and be mowed a couple times a season, but looks best if allowed to flower.