Tufted lovegrass
Eragrostis caroliniana
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Pl. A7D9 — Eragrostis caroliniana
Eragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis carolinianaEragrostis caroliniana
IOverview
Overview
Tufted lovegrass (Eragrostis caroliniana) is a perennial grass native to the southeastern United States and Central America, extending as far north as British Columbia and as far south as Venezuela. Known for its edible seeds, this plant thrives in various habitats across its wide range, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, and many other states and countries. Tufted lovegrass is particularly suited to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It has a distinctive annual life cycle and can grow up to 0.5 meters tall, making it an interesting addition to gardens or agricultural landscapes where its seeds are used for food.
Quick answers
What is Tufted lovegrass?
Tufted lovegrass (Eragrostis caroliniana) is a perennial grass native to the southeastern United States and Central America, extending as far north as British Columbia and as far south as Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tufted lovegrass thrives in a variety of soils—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is drought-tolerant but also grows well in moist conditions. This annual plant can reach up to 0.5 meters in height and requires light to moderate sunlight. For cultivation, focus on providing dry to moist environments with well-draining or clay soils. Harvest the edible parts—seeds—for use. The plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated by seed.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Tufted lovegrass for the first time
7steps
Tufted lovegrass is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners looking to add some variety to their garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a container or plot with well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is light, medium, or heavy with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Containers should have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors about 4 weeks before planting outside. Space seeds 10-20 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during germination, which takes around 7-14 days. Provide partial shade if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The tufted lovegrass is edible and its seeds can be consumed. Typically, the seeds are harvested and prepared by drying before being incorporated into various culinary dishes. They can also be ground into a flour for baking or added directly to soups and stews.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas9 regions
native (9)BahamasBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaHonduras
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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