Eragrostis atropioides
Genus
Eragrostis
Species
atropioides
Common Names
- Hard-stem lovegrass
- Hard-stemmed lovegrass
- Hardstem lovegrass
- Lovegrass
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Spreading
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Grass-like, Medium, 1 to 2.5
- Grass-like, Tall, Greater than or equal to 2.5
Mature Size, Width
This native grass can grow to five or six feet tall and just as wide. Spreads by rhizomes.
Life Span
No data available.
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Erosion Control
- Ground Cover
Additional Landscape Use Information
Unlike some of the other native lovegrasses (E. grandis, E. variabilis) which are more of a bunching type, the hard-stem lovegrass (E. atropioides) cover areas by spreading rhizomes to form thick dense plantings--a feature to keep in mind for landscaping.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- White
Blooming Period
- Sporadic
- Fall
- Winter
- January
- February
- December
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The blooming period and fruiting above are for cultivated plants. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant texture
- Medium
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Locusts and caterpillars can do minor to severe damage to this native grass.
Fertilizer
Native grasses do not appear to like too much fertilizer. However, excellent results come from fertilizing them lightly with fish or kelp emulsion monthly or every other month. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
Dead grass, usually near the base, and spent flower stalks can be removed for a cleaner landscape look.
Water Requirements
- Dry
- Moist
Additional Water Information
Naturally found in dry exposed areas. Does tolerant moist conditions with good drainage, but best kep on drier side. Water infrequently and deep.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Full sun is optimal. But it does tolerate partial sun, though it seems to flower less.
Spacing Information
Hard-stem lovegrass spreads by rhizomes. Spacing will depend on how dense the area will be planted. As a groundcover perhaps 1 to 3 feet apart; for accent perhaps six feet or more. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Heat
Soils
- Sand
- Cinder
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 2000 to 2999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 3000 to 3999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 4000 to 4999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
Hard-stem lovegrass is found from about 395 to 6300 feet, but most abundant above 4000 feet in dry, exposed sites. [1]
Special Features and Information
General Information
The lovegrasses (Eragrostis spp.) comprise some 300 species in the Grass family (Poaceae). There are nine native species, of which eight are endemic. Of these, the Pacific lovegrass (Eragrostis deflexa) is rare, Fosberg's lovegrass (E. fosbergii) is endangered, and Maui lovegrass (E. mauiensis) is considered extinct.
There are also thirteen introduced and naturalized species.
Etymology
The Latin genus name Eragrostis comes from the Greek eros, meaning love or loving (in an erotic sense), and Agrostis, a genus of fodder grasses.
Additional References
[1] "Grasses of Hawaii" by Peter P. Rotar, pages 157, 321.
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=50823119%40N08&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Eragrostis%20atropioides
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This record is as complete as we can generate for this plant profile at this point. Please email nativeplantshawaii@gmail.com if you wish to contribute to the data. Please include sources and references for all data submitted