Eragrostis spectabilis

purple lovegrass, petticoat-climber, purple plains lovegrass, tumblegrass, petticoat climber
Family

Poaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate, basal (rosulate)

Leaf Attachment

sheathing

Leaf Type

cauline, simple

Leaf Shape

linear

Growth Form

graminoid

Flower Color

purple, red

Flower Month

August - November

Height (meters)

0.2 - 0.8

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

native

Lifespan

perennial

Growing Season

Warm season


Wetland Class

FACU

Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism

5

Field Characters

Eragrostis spectabilis may be confused with Muhlenbergia capillaris which has one floret at the end of each rachis while E. spectabilis has many. Members of the genus Eragrostis also usually have wider leaves. Eragrostis refracta and E. elliottii are very similar to E. spectabilis but have panicles that are green to dark gray with delicate branches. Eragrostis spectabilis has a bright purple panicle with relatively stiff branches. The spikelets of Eragrostis refracta are sessile on the panicle branches, while those of E. elliottii are borne on long capillary pedicels (Grelen and Hughes. 1984).

Cultural Information

No treatment is required for good seed germination (Steffen 1997). Seeds average approximately 3,900,000/lb.

Animal Use

In the spring, purple lovegrass foliage is palatable and nutritious.

Natural History

Found throughout eastern United States west to Arizona. Palatable to cattle until the emergence of the inflorescence in late summer.

Habitat

Dry to moist pastures, railroads, waste grounds, sandy fields and roadsides, pastures, and open woods.