Sand lovegrass is a tall bunching grass with a pleasing weeping foliage habit, and tall stems of seedheads that often flop in late summer. A perennial native to a large portion of the central United States, it is usually found in sandy, open woodlands or meadows. The green leaves are graceful and slightly arching to upright, and in late spring, tall stems arise and are topped with panicles, or branched clusters of tiny yellow flowers that turn purplish, eventually red-purple when seeds are ripe. By late summer, the foliage and seedheads often flop, creating an architecturally interesting clump. Autumn often finds the leaves changing into shades of tan and rust.
It is lovely as a tall accent in a meadow, or mixed border among taller-growing sunflowers and asters. The leaves have a sweet taste and is a favorite of cattle and horses, and is sometimes called ice cream grass. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Eragrostis
Species - Trichodes
Common name - Sand Lovegrass
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 5 - 9
Height - 3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
Spread - 2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
Plant type - Annual or Perennial
Vegetation type - Ornamental Grass
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Loam, Sand
Water requirements - Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Care level - Easy
Landscape uses - Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Mixed Border
Germination rate - 90%
Bloom season - Late Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green, Dark Green / --
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Sow on the surface. Tamp the soil. Do not cover with plastic or glass, but be sure the seeds keep moist until germination. 2. Germination - 14-21 days at 20-22C (68-72F) degrees. |