Eragrostis curvula

This ornamental grass is native to Africa and is densely tufted and has delicate features. It was originally brought to the US for erosion control and animal forage.  This plant is definitely cold tolerant, however, in warmer climates it is a vigorous grower and self-seeder that easily jumps boundaries and has an extensive root system. It is listed as invasive in VA, GA, and SC.

There are several variants of this grass so they will have some differences in appearance. Generally, the grass has weeping leaves up to 2 feet long and very narrow. The margins may be rolled inward. The inflorescence is a panicle with spikelets up the stem, each containing up to 15 flowers. Each panicle can produce 1000 seeds. It has now spread over much of the eastern USA as far north as NY and west to CA. The thick roots can penetrate several feet deep and wide. It prefers lighter soils with low fertility and full sun to part shade.

Please plant less aggressive ornamental grass. See suggestions to the left.