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Description
Eragrostis Cumingii, commonly known as weeping lovegrass, is a warm-season grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Africa but has now been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world. This grass is a perennial and can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has long, narrow leaves and produces beautiful, drooping seed heads that sway in the wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eragrostis |
Appearance
Weeping lovegrass has a beautiful appearance that makes it a popular ornamental grass. It has long, narrow leaves that are green to blue-green in color. The leaves are usually 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide and 6 to 12 inches long. The seed heads of this grass are its most distinctive feature. They are drooping and can be up to 12 inches long. The seed heads are usually green to purple in color and appear in mid-summer.
Care Guide
Proper care is essential for the healthy growth of weeping lovegrass. Here are some tips on how to care for this grass:
Water: Weeping lovegrass requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. It should be watered deeply once a week.
Fertilization: A slow-release fertilizer should be applied in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Soil: This grass prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be planted in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight: Weeping lovegrass requires full sunlight to grow well. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: This grass is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Weeping lovegrass is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. These can be controlled with fungicides. The grass can also be affected by pests such as cutworms, armyworms, and aphids. These can be controlled with insecticides.
Habitat
Weeping lovegrass is native to Africa but has been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. It is also commonly used for erosion control and forage.
Question and Answer
Q: Is weeping lovegrass drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, weeping lovegrass is drought-tolerant and can survive in hot, dry conditions.
Q: Can weeping lovegrass be grown in containers?
A: Yes, weeping lovegrass can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the roots.
Q: How often should weeping lovegrass be fertilized?
A: Weeping lovegrass should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: How long does it take for weeping lovegrass to grow?
A: Weeping lovegrass can take up to 2 years to establish and reach its full height.
Related Plants
Other species of Eragrostis include:
- Eragrostis curvula
- Eragrostis tef
- Eragrostis spectabilis
References
- “Eragrostis Cumingii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285408.
- “Weeping Lovegrass.” University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ag134.
- “Eragrostis.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Dec. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eragrostis.
