Lehmann Lovegrass: A Problematic Non-Native You Should Avoid
If you’ve been considering Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) for your landscape, it’s time to pump the brakes. While this perennial grass might seem like an attractive, drought-tolerant option, it’s actually a problematic non-native species that has become a significant ecological concern across the American Southwest.
What is Lehmann Lovegrass?
Lehmann lovegrass is a perennial bunch grass native to southern Africa that was introduced to the United States. This fine-textured grass grows in dense clumps and can reach up to 2.5 feet in height. With its rapid growth rate and semi-erect growth form, it might initially appear to be a practical landscaping choice – but appearances can be deceiving.
Where Does It Grow?
This non-native species has established itself across six states in the American Southwest and South: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. It reproduces spontaneously in the wild without human intervention and tends to persist once established.
Why You Should Think Twice
While Lehmann lovegrass boasts some seemingly attractive characteristics – drought tolerance, rapid establishment, and minimal care requirements – it comes with serious drawbacks that far outweigh any benefits:
- Aggressive spreader: This grass produces an enormous amount of seed (over 5 million seeds per pound!) and spreads at a moderate rate
- Ecological concerns: As a non-native species, it can outcompete native plants and disrupt local ecosystems
- Fire risk: Dense stands can create fire hazards in dry climates
- Limited wildlife value: Offers minimal benefits to native wildlife compared to indigenous grass species
Growing Conditions (If You Must Know)
Lehmann lovegrass is unfortunately well-adapted to challenging conditions, which partly explains its problematic success:
- Soil: Thrives in coarse to medium-textured soils with pH ranging from 5.0 to 8.5
- Water: Low moisture requirements with medium drought tolerance
- Climate: Needs at least 210 frost-free days and can handle temperatures as low as 8°F
- Sunlight: Shade intolerant – prefers full sun
- Hardiness zones: 8-11
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of planting Lehmann lovegrass, consider these native options that provide similar benefits without the ecological concerns:
- Blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis): Drought-tolerant native with excellent wildlife value
- Buffalo grass (Poikilogyne smithii): Low-maintenance native perfect for xeriscaping
- Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula): Beautiful seed heads and excellent erosion control
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Stunning fall color and important wildlife habitat
The Bottom Line
While Lehmann lovegrass might seem like an easy solution for difficult growing conditions, its potential to harm native ecosystems makes it a poor choice for responsible gardeners. The good news? There are plenty of beautiful, well-behaved native grasses that can provide the same drought tolerance and low-maintenance appeal without the ecological baggage.
When in doubt, go native – your local wildlife (and fellow gardeners) will thank you for it!
