Eragrostis spectabilis - PURPLE LOVE GRASS

Charming late summer and fall grass. Native on sandy, disturbed, or infertile soils in the east from Maine to Minnesota down to Florida and Mexico. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Forms 2 foot tall and wide, spreading clumps of coarse blades which transform in late summer into a fine textured haze of purplish flowers.

Short-lived perennial, low maintenance plant, that will naturalize by seed. Drought, Black Walnut, Air Pollution tolerant plant.

Host for Zabulon skipper, birds feed on the seeds.

The best grown in full sun in drier, poor, disturbed or drained soils, but can grow in dry clay too.

Best looking in smaller groups or masses in borders, water-wise landscaping, low maintenance plantings, prairie gardens, rock gardens.

Also effective in native plant areas or meadows where it can naturalize, very good native grass for extensive green roofs.

Inflorescence scan be used as cut flower or as dried flower arrangements.

Often used by famous Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf and was listed as one of his "100 Must-Have Plants" - this grass was planted in New York City’s Highline and Chicago’s Lurie Garden.

Pot Size : square 3.5" x 4" deep pot

Picture copyright : US Perennial nursery