Eragrostis grandis
Genus
Eragrostis
Species
grandis
Common Names
- Large Hawaiʻi lovegrass
- Lovegrass
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
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
The spread of this native lovegrass is at least six feet or more.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
Additional Landscape Use Information
This rather common native bunchgrass is rarely used in home and commercial landscapes, but really should be incorporated more as it becomes more available.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Cream
- Greenish-White
Additional Flower Color Information
The floral display is typical of many grassses. This species seems to have a larger spray of inflorescences (flowers) that most other native grasses. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Blooming Period
- Sporadic
- Spring
- Summer
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The Large Hawaiʻi lovegrass seems to be bloom and seed in the early spring into the summer months. However, this observation is based on a few cultivated specimens. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant texture
- Coarse
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Fertilizer
Use small amounts of a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements every six months. Foliar feed monthly with kelp or fish emulsion, or a commercial fertilizer with a weak dilution of one half to one third of recommended strength. Do not over fertilize these plants. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Water Requirements
- Moist
- Wet
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Partial shade is its natural habitat, but does very well in full sun. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Spacing Information
This is a large bunch grass and should be spaced at least three feet apart for a dense planting or at least six feet to showcase this wonderful native grass. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Kahoʻolawe
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 150 to 1000, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 3000 to 3999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 4000 to 4999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
The Large Hawaiʻi lovegrass is commonly found on moist to wet slopes in ravines and mesic forests, usually in partial shade from 550 to about 7000 feet.
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 name Eragrostis comes from the Greek eros, meaning loving (in an erotic sense), and Agrostis, a genus of fodder grasses.
The specific Latin epithet grandis, large, is in reference the large size of this magnificant native bunchgrass. For sheer size it rivals another native species Kalamālō (Eragrostis monticola), which may actually be larger.
Additional References
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%20grandis
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