Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Eragrostis spectabilis |
| Family Name: | Poaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Purple Lovegrass |
| Size: | Typically grows 1-2 feet tall and wide |
| Plant Type: | Perennial clumping grass |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to the United States, particularly common in the eastern and central parts including grasslands, roadsides, and open woods. |
| Planted range in the USA: | Widely distributed across the Eastern United States, from Texas to Florida and northward to New England. Is a Florida Native plant. |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in early spring or fall |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Type: | Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, but is adaptable to various soil types, including poor soils. |
| Soil pH: | 4.0 to 7.5 (acidic to neutral) |
| Water Requirements: | Drought tolerant once established; requires minimal watering |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Low; can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Can be cut back in late winter to early spring to encourage fresh growth. |
| Growth Rate: | Fast; quickly fills in areas to form a dense mat |
| Companion Planting: | Complements native wildflowers and other drought-tolerant grasses, making it ideal for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects. |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | High; well-suited for xeriscaping or low-water garden areas. |
| Frost Tolerance: | High; capable of withstanding winter temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C). |
| Heat Tolerance: | High; can tolerate high temperatures well, thriving in areas where summer temperatures can reach up to 95°F (35°C) or higher. |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; can handle windy sites but may require support in very exposed locations. |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; suitable for coastal areas with some protection from direct salt spray. |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 4-11 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Produces small, inconspicuous seeds. |
| Harvest Time: | Late summer to fall |
| Fruit Description: | Small seeds are not typically harvested for use. |
| Edible Plant: | No |
| Edible Parts: | None |
| Medicinal: | No known significant medicinal uses. |
| Flower Color: | Purple |
| Flower Shape: | Small, open, airy panicles |
| Fragrance: | Not fragrant |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Mid-summer to early fall |
| Bloom Duration: | Continues for several weeks. |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Self pollinated by wind. |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Attracts beneficial insects, providing habitat and food sources. Purple Lovegrass is a host plant for several species of butterflies. Its flowers offer nectar sources for adult butterflies, while the grass itself may serve as a larval food source for certain butterfly species. Also attracts Ladybugs, and Parasitic Wasp. |
| Pollinators: | Primarily wind-pollinated but may also provide some benefit to insects. Pollinators include Bees and Hoverflies. |
| Problematic Pest: | Generally pest-free; its robust nature keeps most pests at bay. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, the plant is not toxic; it is safe around children and pets. |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic |
| Toxic to Animals: | Non-toxic; safe for wildlife and domestic animals. |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Typically robust but watch for fungal diseases such as Rust and Powdery Mildew in overly moist conditions. |
Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis Spectabilis)
Purple Lovegrass is an incredibly versatile ornamental grass that offers beauty and practicality all year round! Its adaptability makes it ideal for those looking for a low maintenance solution while its cascading foliage provides stunning visuals both indoors and outdoors alike! With proper care and maintenance this hardy species will thrive even in harsh climates without requiring much water input at all! If you are looking for an elegant yet practical addition to your garden then look no further than the purple lovegrass!
Companion Planting
For Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple Lovegrass), selecting companion plants that thrive under similar conditions and complement its growth can create a harmonious and visually appealing garden setting. Here’s a tailored list of both Florida Native and Florida Friendly plants that make ideal companions for Purple Lovegrass:
Florida Native Plants
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Zone Range: 3-9
Benefits: The vibrant yellow flowers of Black-eyed Susan contrast beautifully with the fine-textured, reddish-purple foliage of Purple Lovegrass, attracting pollinators and adding color diversity.
Use: Ideal for naturalistic plantings and meadow gardens where both species can spread and naturalize.
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Zone Range: 3-9
Benefits: Blazing Star’s tall, purple spikes provide vertical interest and bloom synchronously with the airy flowers of Purple Lovegrass, enhancing visual appeal and supporting pollinators.
Use: Plant in groups or drifts alongside Purple Lovegrass for a striking texture and color contrast in borders or prairie gardens.
Florida Friendly Plants
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Zone Range: Depending on species, generally 8-10
Benefits: Salvias offer a variety of colors and are drought-tolerant like Purple Lovegrass. Their upright flowering spikes complement the horizontal spread of Lovegrass.
Use: Mix with Purple Lovegrass in borders or xeriscape gardens to create a layered effect with continuous blooming.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Zone Range: 4-9
Benefits: Coreopsis, with its daisy-like flowers, provides a cheerful contrast to the more subdued tones of Purple Lovegrass. Both plants are low-maintenance and attract a host of beneficial insects.
Use: Excellent for adding brightness to the front or middle of borders where Purple Lovegrass serves as a backdrop.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Zone Range: 3-9
Benefits: Yarrow’s flat flower heads in shades of yellow, white, and pink provide a nice contrast to the fine foliage of Purple Lovegrass. Both are drought-tolerant and attract many beneficial insects.
Use: Suitable for mixed herbaceous borders, rock gardens, or as part of a drought-tolerant planting scheme.
These companion plants not only enhance the garden’s aesthetic but also support the ecological balance by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, thereby improving biodiversity, ensuring a successful and vibrant garden display.