Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula)

Weeping Lovegrass

(Eragrostis curvula)

Forest and Kim Starr

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Forest and Kim Starr

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Eragrostis curvula, commonly known as Weeping Lovegrass, is an evergreen perennial grass, though it can sometimes be an annual, originating from open grasslands and plains in Southern Africa. It is a highly variable species with many different natural and cultivated forms. Typically, Weeping Lovegrass forms dense tufts of stems that can reach up to 1.9 meters (6.2 ft) in height and 38 centimeters (1.25 ft) in diameter. Its extensive root system, which can penetrate over 4 meters (13 ft) deep and spread laterally up to 3 meters (9.8 ft), allows the plant to form a sturdy sod and contributes to its ability to control erosion.

Weeping Lovegrass is characterized by its long, slender, drooping leaves that can grow up to 65 centimeters (2.13 ft) in length and have a distinctive rolled edge. The inflorescence is a panicle with branches lined with spikelets, each containing up to 15 flowers, and one panicle can produce up to 1000 seeds. The plant is capable of self-fertilization or apomixis, which allows for prolific seed production without fertilization. It is often used for ornamental purposes, erosion control, and as forage in pastures due to its rapid growth and adaptability. In cultivation, Weeping Lovegrass thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, preferring soils with medium to fast drainage. However, it can become invasive outside its native range, spreading rapidly and potentially outcompeting native species. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential invasiveness and consider using native alternatives in areas where it is known to be problematic.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Grass
Height: 1.5-4 feet
Width: 0.188-0.5 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Originates from open grasslands and plains in Southern Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Catalina Lovegrass, African Lovegrass, Boer Love Grass, Weeping Love Grass, Gebogenblättriges Liebesgras, Zuid-Afrikaans Liefdegras, Afrikanskt Kärleksgräs, 垂愛草

Scientific Names: , Eragrostis curvula, Eragrostis chloromelas, Eragrostis curvala, Eragrostis filiformis, Eragrostis curvula var. curvula, Eragrostis jeffreysii, Eragrostis robusta, Eragrostis curvula var. conferta, Eragrostis capillifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees