In its native range, South and East Africa, Eragrostis curvula is a prized garden ornamental and an important forage plant. But outside its native range, such as certain parts of the U.S. and Australia, this species is invasive. However, its ability to spread quickly is utilized for soil erosion prevention and control.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Eragrostis curvula is a species of grass known by the common name weeping lovegrass. Other common names include Boer lovegrass, curved lovegrass, Catalina lovegrass, and African lovegrass.
It is native to southern Africa. It is an introduced species on other continents.
Eragrostis curvula is usually a long-lived perennial grass, but it is sometimes an annual plant. It is variable in appearance, and there are many different natural and cultivated forms.
In general, it forms tufts of stems up to 1.9 meters (6.2 ft) tall. The tufts may reach a diameter of 38 centimeters (1.25 ft).
The grass grows from a thick root network. Plants have been noted to have roots penetrating over 4 meters (13 ft) deep in the soil and 3 meters (9.8 ft) laterally. The roots can grow 5 centimeters (2.0 in) per day. The first root to grow into the soil from a seedling can send out up to 60 small rootlets per inch. The dense root system forms a sod.
The drooping leaves of the grass are up to 65 centimeters (2.13 ft) long but just a few millimeters wide, and they may have rolled edges. The inflorescence is a panicle with branches lined with centimeter-long spikelets. Each spikelet may contain up to 15 flowers. One panicle may produce 1000 seeds. Cultivated plants may produce two crops of seed per year. The plant self-fertilizes or undergoes apomixis, without fertilization.
II. How to Grow and Care
Weeping lovegrass is generally considered an undemanding plant, appreciated for both its resilience and ease of care. Key to its maintenance is ensuring adequate sun exposure, as weeping lovegrass thrives in full sunlight. Water requirement is moderate; overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Special care includes occasional fertilization during the growing season and minimal pruning to remove dead foliage and maintain its shape.
Sunlight
Weeping lovegrass thrives best under full sun conditions, requiring vibrant and unfiltered light for the majority of the day to support vigorous growth and optimum health. While weeping lovegrass demonstrates tolerance for partial sun, extended periods in reduced light levels may result in diminished vitality and sparse foliage. Adaptations such as robust grass blades allow weeping lovegrass to efficiently harness sunlight when available. Ideally planted in open areas outdoors, weeping lovegrass is often positioned where it can benefit from maximum light exposure, as it is not commonly grown indoors.
Watering
Originating from the open grasslands of Southern Africa, weeping lovegrass is well-adapted to environments with intermittent rainfall, showcasing a preference for drier conditions. This species thrives on minimal moisture and has developed a resilience to drought, making it suitable for arid climates. Its watering regimen should reflect its natural habitat, necessitating watering every week to maintain optimal health. As an outdoor plant often found in savannas and plains, weeping lovegrass exhibits a robust growth cycle that is heavily influenced by the rainy season, aligning its most vigorous growth with periods of higher precipitation.
Fertilizing
Optimal for weeping lovegrass is applying mulch or compost, enriching soil without excessive nutrient build-up. Biannual fertilization supports robust growth and resilience—early spring to spur awakening, pre-winter to prepare for dormancy. Use modest quantities; over-fertilization can harm. Seasonal adjustments ensure weeping lovegrass’s health, tailoring nutrient delivery to growth and dormancy cycles. Effective fertilization involves even spreading, avoiding root crowding, and ensuring soil integration. Safety tip: wear gloves, keep fertilizers from waterways to prevent pollution.
Propagation
A tufted, perennial grass, weeping lovegrass is characterized by its long, narrow leaves and dense, nodding flower clusters. It thrives in various soils, showcasing robust adaptability and drought tolerance. To propagate weeping lovegrass, division is the favored technique, which involves separating mature clumps during their active growth phase. This process encourages rejuvenation and ensures the maintenance of specific plant traits. Practically, gardeners should carefully split the root ball with a sharp spade or knife, retaining ample root structures and foliage on each section. These divisions can then be replanted promptly, watered thoroughly, and maintained with regular care for successful establishment.
Transplanting
For weeping lovegrass, the optimal transplantation period is during the heart of spring, ensuring robust root establishment before summer heat. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Gentle handling is key to maintaining root integrity.
III. Uses and Benefits
This grass is valuable as a forage for livestock in Africa, its native range. There are many ecotypes. Several of these ecotypes were collected and introduced in the United States as cultivars. The grass was first planted in the United States in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1935. It was good for livestock, and its massive root network made it a good plant for erosion control.
It spread quickly as it was planted for ornamental purposes. It reached New York in the 1960s and in the 1970s and 80s it was planted alongside many highways such as the Long Island Expressway. Today it occurs as an invasive species in wild habitat from the southwestern United States to the East Coast. It can be found in woodlands, chaparral, prairie, grassland, and disturbed areas. It is tolerant of very acidic and very basic soils; it grows easily in mine spoils. This species may hybridize with other Eragrostis, such as Eragrostis caesia, E. lehmanniana, and E. planiculmis.
Cultivars of this grass include ‘South African Robusta Blue’, ‘Witbank’, ‘Ermelo’, ‘Kromdraai’, ‘American Leafy’, and ‘Renner’. Cultivars may be selected for yield, palatability for livestock, and drought resistance. It is planted along waterways in Sri Lanka and mountainsides in Japan, and it is used for oversowing fields in Argentina. In the United States it is often planted alongside Korean lespedeza. It is planted as a nurse crop for sericea lespedeza, coastal panic grass, and switchgrass.
It is an invasive species in some regions, such as parts of the United States and Victoria and other Australian states. It is aggressive and can crowd out native plants. Its drought resistance helps it to survive in dry environments.
In Lesotho, this grass is used to make baskets, brooms, hats, ropes, and candles, and it is used for food, as a charm, and in funeral rituals.