Eragrostis spectabilis
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Sun, part shade
• Soils: Poor, average to dry
• Bloom Time: Bronzy purple/red inflorescence in August, September
• Size: 8-14 inches in height; 10-16 inch spread
Plant this low, bunching grass with a mounding habit in sunny open perennial borders, meadows, or along roadsides. The inflorescence exhibits a fluffy texture giving a purple haze to the landscape when planted in groups. Provides erosion control on roadsides and hillsides. Native to Cape Cod.
Garden Companions
Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa), Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida), White Wood-aster (Eurybia divaricata)
Nature Benefits
• Popular with insect herbivores such as leafhoppers
• Caterpillar host for the Zabulon Skipper
• Birds use dry panicles for nesting
Natural Habitat
Occurs in coastal beaches, meadows and prefers disturbed sandy areas.