Love-grasses
What are they?
Love-grasses are a rather mixed bunch of grasses which, on a worldwide scale are largely tropical or sub-tropical. Though they have similarities in their flowers, overall there is no common thread in the general appearance of the species.
Where are they found?
Generally found in dry, open places or as annuals in disturbed ground.
Identification
The great variation in appearance makes this a difficult group to define, but several species are rather unique in appearance and thus readily recognizable in themselves. For species recognition, see the individual species comments.
Weeping Love-grass Eragrostis curvula
A native of South Africa, this species was ill-advisedly planted widely as a soil erosion control species. Unsurprisingly, it was not long before the species was spreading of its own accord and is becoming a serious invasive species in some areas, especially south of the Cape May canal. Flowers August to September. Easily recognised by its persistent, wiry leaves which form dense clumps of vegetation and remain golden-brown through the winter. Flower heads often tinged blackish purple.
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Lace Love-grass Eragrostis capillaris
Though a native species, this grass is often found in disturbed ground on roadsides and other waste areas. Flowers July to September. A densely tufted, annual grace with large, open panicles of many-branched flowerheads. The florets themselves are small and appear in short clusters at the ends of long branches.
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Indian Love-grass Eragrostis pilosa
A Pan-tropical species of uncertain native distribution, but introduced in New Jersey. A fairly common species of roadsides and waste places. Flowers June to September. A small and easily over-looked species, best told from the very similar Tufted Love-grass by the lower node of the flower spike which has a whorl (not a pair) of several branches.
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flower spike whorled |
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Tufted Love-grass Eragrostis pectinacea
A small, weedy species of roadsides and waste places. Flowers July to October. A small and easily over-looked species, best told from the very similar Indian Love-grass by the lower node of the flower spike which has a pair(not a whorl) of branches.
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typical of Eragrostis grasses |
Strong-scented Love-grass Eragrostis cilianensis
(Stinkgrass) Introduced from Europe. A fairly common species of waste places and other areas of disturbed ground. Flowers July to September. The whole plant has a rather unpleasant odour when crushed. Flower heads have a silvery lustre to them.
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Purple Love-grass Eragrostis spectabilis
A fairly common native species found occasionally in small, scattered colonies in dry, sandy soils along roadsides, field edges and other open areas. Flowers July to October. A small species, usually under a foot high and would be easily overlooked but for its bright reddish-purple, foamy flower spikes.
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of flower spike |
Plains Love-grass Eragrostis intermedia
(Bigtop Love-grass) A plant that is native of further west in North America, this species appears to be spreading eastward, with the first Cape May records coming in 2013. It should be looked for in any open, grassy areas, especially on disturbed ground, old fields and roadsides. Flowers July to October. A spectacular species that may gain popularity as a garden plant, as the flowering stems can be up to three feet long or more.
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of flower spike |
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