Tufted Lovegrass
Eragrostis pectinacea
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Puerto Rico, United States, Venezuela, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © chuckt2007 (iNaturalist #263545305)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Eragrostis
- Species:
- Eragrostis pectinacea
- USDA Symbol:
- ERPE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Common in post-fire recovery; seeds germinate from soil seed bank after fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in disturbed areas and open fields
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment in warm soil.