Hairysheath Lovegrass

Eragrostis polytricha

Native to:
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, United States, Uruguay

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Eragrostis
Species:
Eragrostis polytricha
USDA Symbol:
ERPO15

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Typical of warm-season bunchgrasses; resprouts from basal crown 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:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with warmth and light; surface sow for best results.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI