Hairyflower Lovegrass: A Lesser-Known Non-Native Grass
If you’ve stumbled across the name hairyflower lovegrass in your plant research, you’ve discovered one of the more obscure members of the grass family. Eragrostis trichophora is a perennial grass that’s made a quiet appearance in parts of the United States, though it remains relatively uncommon and poorly documented compared to its flashier grass cousins.
What is Hairyflower Lovegrass?
Hairyflower lovegrass belongs to the Poaceae family (that’s the grass family for those keeping track at home). As a perennial, this grass has the staying power to return year after year, which can be either a blessing or a concern depending on your perspective. The plant gets its common name from the delicate, hair-like appearance of its flower structures, though detailed descriptions of its overall appearance are surprisingly scarce in gardening literature.
Native Status and Geographic Distribution
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit concerning for native plant enthusiasts. Hairyflower lovegrass is not native to North America. This introduced species has established itself and now reproduces on its own in the wild, currently documented in Maryland. Its synonym, Eragrostis atherstonii, suggests African origins, though the exact native range isn’t clearly documented in readily available sources.
Should You Plant Hairyflower Lovegrass?
This is where we need to have an honest conversation. While this grass isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, the combination of being non-native and having limited documented information about its behavior, growing requirements, and ecological impact makes it a questionable choice for most gardens.
The Case for Native Alternatives
Instead of taking a gamble on hairyflower lovegrass, consider these well-documented native grass alternatives that offer similar perennial grass appeal:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – A beautiful native bunch grass with fantastic fall color
- Purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) – A native member of the same genus with showy purple seed heads
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides) – A low-maintenance native option for drier areas
- Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) – An attractive native with distinctive seed heads
The Information Gap
One of the biggest red flags about hairyflower lovegrass is how little we actually know about it. Key details like specific growing conditions, USDA hardiness zones, pollinator benefits, wildlife value, and detailed care instructions are largely absent from gardening and botanical literature. This lack of information makes it nearly impossible to grow successfully or predict its long-term impact in your garden.
Making the Right Choice
While we can’t definitively say hairyflower lovegrass will cause problems, we also can’t say it won’t. In the world of gardening, especially when it comes to non-native species, it’s often better to err on the side of caution. Native grasses offer all the beauty and ecological benefits you’re looking for, with the added bonus of supporting local wildlife and ecosystems.
If you’re set on exploring unusual grass species, consider working with native plant societies or botanical gardens that can guide you toward lesser-known native options that might satisfy your desire for something different while keeping your garden ecologically responsible.
Remember, every plant choice is a vote for the kind of landscape we want to create—and native plants are almost always the safer, more beneficial bet for our local ecosystems.
