Prairie Cupgrass

Eriochloa contracta

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Eriochloa
Species:
Eriochloa contracta
USDA Symbol:
ERCO8

Growth Characteristics

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base following fire; typical of prairie grasses adapted to periodic burning.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to open, disturbed areas and grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions without pretreatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI