Plains Lovegrass: A Resilient Native Grass for Low-Maintenance Landscapes
If you’re looking for a tough, drought-tolerant native grass that won’t demand constant attention, plains lovegrass (Eragrostis intermedia) might just be your new best friend. This unassuming perennial grass has been quietly thriving across the American landscape long before we started worrying about water bills and weekend weeding sessions.
What is Plains Lovegrass?
Plains lovegrass is a native perennial bunch grass that forms attractive clumps rather than spreading aggressively like some of its grass cousins. Growing up to about 2.7 feet tall, this fine-textured grass produces delicate yellow flowers in late spring, though don’t expect a showy display – the real charm lies in its graceful, erect form and reliability.
Where Does Plains Lovegrass Call Home?
This adaptable native has claimed territory across a impressive swath of the United States, making itself at home in 19 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. From the humid Southeast to the arid Southwest, plains lovegrass has proven its adaptability.
Why Consider Plains Lovegrass for Your Garden?
Here’s where plains lovegrass really shines – it’s practically the poster child for low-maintenance gardening:
- Drought champion: Once established, this grass laughs in the face of dry spells with its high drought tolerance
- Fire resilient: High fire tolerance makes it perfect for areas prone to wildfires
- Long-lived: This perennial is in it for the long haul, providing years of reliable performance
- Wildlife friendly: Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife
- Erosion control: Those 12-inch minimum roots help hold soil in place
Perfect Spots for Plains Lovegrass
Plains lovegrass works beautifully in several landscape scenarios:
- Native plant gardens and prairie restorations
- Xeriscape and water-wise landscapes
- Slopes and areas needing erosion control
- Natural meadow areas
- Low-maintenance buffer zones
Growing Conditions That Make Plains Lovegrass Happy
The beauty of plains lovegrass lies in its easygoing nature. Here’s what it prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun only – this grass is shade intolerant
- Soil: Coarse to medium-textured soils work best; avoid heavy clay
- Water: Low moisture requirements once established (5-18 inches annual precipitation)
- pH: Adaptable to slightly acidic to neutral soils (5.7-7.8)
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 6-10, needs at least 170 frost-free days
Planting and Care Tips
Growing plains lovegrass is refreshingly straightforward:
- Starting from seed: This grass propagates only by seed, with about 1.3 million seeds per pound
- Planting density: Plan for 1,200-2,700 plants per acre for restoration projects
- Establishment: Be patient – seedling vigor is medium, and growth rate is moderate
- Maintenance: Minimal care needed once established; slow regrowth after cutting
- Fertilizer: Medium fertility requirements – don’t overdo it
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While plains lovegrass is wonderfully low-maintenance, it’s not perfect for every situation:
- Commercial availability is limited to field collections, so sourcing seed may take some effort
- It won’t tolerate heavy shade or constantly wet conditions
- Slow spread means it won’t quickly fill large areas
- Not suitable for high-traffic areas or formal lawns
The Bottom Line
Plains lovegrass might not win any beauty contests, but it’s the reliable friend every native plant garden needs. If you’re working with dry conditions, poor soils, or simply want a grass that won’t demand weekend attention, this native performer deserves serious consideration. Its modest appearance belies its valuable contributions to soil stability, wildlife habitat, and your sanity as a gardener who appreciates plants that just get on with the business of growing.
For gardeners committed to supporting native ecosystems while creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes, plains lovegrass offers the perfect combination of function and form – even if that form is more understated than showy.
