Long Lovegrass: A Delicate Non-Native Grass for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re searching for a graceful grass that adds movement and texture to your landscape, long lovegrass (Eragrostis elongata) might catch your eye. This slender perennial grass brings an airy elegance to gardens, though it comes with some important considerations for thoughtful gardeners.
What is Long Lovegrass?
Long lovegrass is a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. True to its name, this grass produces delicate, elongated seed heads that dance in the breeze, creating a soft, almost ethereal appearance in the landscape. As a non-native species, it has established itself in parts of the United States after being introduced from its native range in Africa and Asia.
Where Does Long Lovegrass Grow?
Currently, long lovegrass has naturalized in Florida, Hawaii, and South Carolina. This warm-climate grass reproduces spontaneously in the wild and tends to persist once established. Its presence in these southeastern and tropical locations suggests it thrives in hot, humid conditions.
Should You Plant Long Lovegrass in Your Garden?
The decision to plant long lovegrass depends on your gardening goals and location. Here are some factors to consider:
Potential Benefits:
- Adds delicate texture and movement to landscape designs
- Low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping
- Adaptable to various soil conditions
Considerations:
- Non-native status means it doesn’t support local ecosystems like native grasses
- May self-seed readily, potentially spreading beyond intended areas
- Provides minimal benefits to pollinators compared to native alternatives
Growing Conditions and Care
Long lovegrass is relatively undemanding, which explains its success as a naturalized species. Here’s what this grass prefers:
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 8-11
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, from sandy to clay
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, though regular watering helps during establishment
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Maintenance: Minimal care required; occasional trimming to prevent excessive self-seeding
Landscape Uses
Long lovegrass works well in several landscape applications:
- Naturalized areas and meadow gardens
- Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Erosion control on slopes
- Background plantings for perennial borders
- Low-maintenance ground cover in appropriate climates
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before choosing long lovegrass, consider these beautiful native grass alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local wildlife:
- For Florida: Sand cordgrass (Spartina bakeri) or Florida lovegrass (Eragrostis floridana)
- For South Carolina: Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
- For Hawaii: Indigenous bunch grasses like Hawaiian stiltgrass (Joinvillea ascendens)
The Bottom Line
Long lovegrass can be an attractive addition to warm-climate gardens, especially for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, drought-tolerant options. However, its non-native status means it won’t provide the ecological benefits that native grasses offer. If you do choose to plant it, monitor its spread and consider removing seed heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding. For the most environmentally beneficial landscapes, explore native grass alternatives that will support local birds, beneficial insects, and the broader ecosystem while providing similar beauty and functionality.
