Maasai Lovegrass

(Eragrostis superba)

Maasai Lovegrass (Eragrostis superba)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Eragrostis superba, commonly known as Maasai Lovegrass, is a perennial tufted grass native to a range of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and savannas from Sudan to South Africa. It is well-adapted to altitudes up to 4921 feet. This species typically thrives in sandy soils and is often found in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns. Eragrostis superba reaches heights of 20-70 cm and forms dense clumps of fine-textured foliage. It flowers during the rainy season, producing distinctive large, flat, oval-shaped spikelets with serrated edges. The spikelets exhibit a purple or pinkish hue when fresh, adding a subtle color to the landscape.

Maasai Lovegrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils, making it a useful species for erosion control and soil stabilization. Its ornamental qualities include the attractive coloration of its spikelets and its fine-textured foliage, which sways gracefully in the breeze. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance and is suitable for xeriscaping, naturalized areas, and as a component of mixed grassland plantings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils. While it is a valuable forage plant, it is not aggressive and occurs at low densities, reducing the risk of it becoming invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1.5-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and savannas from Sudan to South Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Sawtooth Lovegrass, Perennial Lovegrass, Wilman’s Lovegrass, Capim-Massai, Heart-Seed Grass

Scientific Names: , Eragrostis superba, Eragrostis alata, Eragrostis elata, Eragrostis elata, Eragrostis platystachys, Eragrostis superba var. contracta, Uniola jardinii,

GBIF Accepted Name: