Eragrostis curvula

Warm-season perennial bunchgrass

Active growth in late spring and summer; goes dormant in fall and winter

Full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day)

60–85°F (16–29°C)

Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils but can tolerate poor, rocky, and eroded soils

6–10 (USDA)

7–21 days, best results when seeds are planted shallowly (¼ inch deep)

5.0–7.5

Drought-tolerant once established but requires regular watering during establishment

Apply fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) before seeding, with a second N feeding applied in mid-summer

Forms dense, clump-like tufts with arching, weeping foliage

2–4 feet

By tillering. Over a year, a single weeping lovegrass can colonize an area 12-15 inches in diameter

3 to 5 pounds per acre

Produces feathery, reddish-purple seed heads in mid-to-late summer

Provides shelter for small wildlife and attracts pollinators

Erosion control (commonly planted on slopes and roadsides)
Ground cover in dry, poor soils
Forage for livestock (though not the most nutritious)
Ornamental grass for landscaping

Other drought-resistant grasses, wildflowers, and native perennials

Trim back dead foliage in early spring to encourage new growth

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Generally pest-resistant; occasional grasshoppers or aphids

Resistant to most diseases but may be affected by rust or leaf spot in wet conditions

The “weeping” name comes from its long, narrow arching leaves that suggest the grass is “weeping”