Weeping Lovegrass

(Eragrostis curvula)

Weeping Lovegrass is a vigorous, drought-tolerant perennial bunchgrass native to South Africa. This grass is adapted very well to the climatic conditions throughout the Southern Great Plains. It performs best in low fertile sandy soils and soils with low or depleted organic matter.

Weeping Lovegrass plants produce seed stalks 2 to 4 feet tall with many slender leaves that grow from the base of the plant. The leaves are relatively thin and course and are approximately 10 to 20 inches long. Cattle readily consume the forage in early spring when the forage is young and tender, but sparingly in mid-summer as the plant matures. This plant provides good cover for game birds, however, does not provide adequate food source due to small seed size.

Weeping Lovegrass is easily established from seed. Its vigorous young seedlings quickly make an effective ground cover. It is suitable for planting for forage production and soil stabilization. Seed should be planted in the spring of the year at a seeding rate of 1.5 – 3 pls pounds per acre at a depth of 1/4 inches.

General Characteristics

Growth Type:Bunch
Life Span:Perennial
Growing Season:Warm Season
Native/Introduced:Introduced
Plant Height:2-4 feet
Cold Tolerance:Good
Drought Tolerance:Good
Salt Tolerance:Poor
Soil Type:Sandy - Loam
Minimum Rainfall:16 inches
Planting Rate:1.5-3 pls#
Planting Date:Feb. - June
Seed Type:Smooth
Uses:Grazing, Wildlife Habitat, Erosion Control, Reclamation
Weeping Lovegrass