bigtop lovegrass
Family
PoaceaeScientific Name
Eragrostis hirsutaSynonyms (former Scientific Names):
Eragrostis hirsutavar. Laevivaginata
Poa hirsuta
Habit
A perennial grass that grows decumbent to upright and reaches 1.5 to 3.3 feet tall
Leaves
Leaves are typically hairless on both sides except a few hairs near the base of the leaf. The margins are rough to the touch. The grow up to 24 inches in length and 3 to 9 mm wide
Identifying Characteristics
This grass can grow upwards of 3 feet tall. Its leaves are relatively hairless except a few long hairs near the base of the leaf, and the margins of the leaves may feel rough. It has a short hairy ligule that grows 0.3 to 0.5 mm long, and has no auricles. This plant will tiller, but has no stolons or rhizomes. The sheaths can be hairy with tufts of hairs near collar. The area near the collar can also have a reddish color to it.
Flower Seed Head
The seedhead is a tall open panicle which can be 1/2 the plant height. The branches can be smooth to slightly hairy. The seedhead's size takes advantage of windy fall days, which allows it to break off and roll or tumble across the ground, dispersing seed.
Seed Fruit
One spikelet can be 3 to 4 mm long and 1 to 1.5 mm wide; the seed grains can be reddish and oval or oblong in shape
Where Found
Found in less managed areas such as fields, roadsides, and woods; it is native to the southeast from Texas to Florida and from Florida to Maryland
Leaf Hair on Upper Surface
hairs on basal half only
Leaf Arrangement
rolled in bud
Mature Leaf Width
Varies:
less than 5 mm,
6 to 15 mm
Stem
round
Seedhead
panicle
Life Cycle
perennial
Auricle
not present
Ligule
hairy
Ligule Length
less than 1 mm
Plant Type
Grass