Invasive Species: Eragrostis curvula, Weeping Lovegrass
Weeping lovegrass is an invasive warm-season perennial grass that can grow to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall. Leaves are arched, 1/10 in. (3 to 4 mm) wide, and flat and have ciliate ligules. Sheaths have long hairs inside the upper margin and along the collar. The inflorescence is a lax, open panicle, commonly 8 to 10 in. long. Fruit are 0.2 to 0.4 in. (4 to 10 mm) long, 0.1 in. (1.5 to 2 mm) wide, and gray-green. Weeping lovegrass inhabits disturbed places such as roadsides and is native to South Africa. It has been planted for erosion control in the Southwestern United States and is used widely as an ornamental plant.
What are invasive species, and why should we be concerned about them?
Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species
Cyperales > Poaceae > Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees
Synonym(s): Boer love grass
Eragrostis curvula - USDA PLANTS Profile
Distribution Maps
weeping lovegrass - The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important
Reporting This Invasive Species
What is the best way to report the occurrence of an invasive species?
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS - Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS - Report an invasive species to EDDMapS.
County Extension Offices - Find your county Extension office on this map provided by USDA.
How to Identify
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Grass
Weeping lovegrass is a warm-season perennial grass that can grow to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall.
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| James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org | John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, bugwood.org |
Foliage
Leaves are arched, 1/10 in. (3 to 4 mm) wide, and flat and have ciliate ligules. Sheaths have long hairs inside the upper margin and along the collar.
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| Joseph DiTomaso, University of California-Davis, bugwood.org | Joseph DiTomaso, University of California-Davis, bugwood.org |
Flower
The inflorescence is a lax, open panicle, commonly 8 to 10 in. long.
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| Joseph DiTomaso, University of California-Davis, bugwood.org | James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org |
Fruit
Fruit are 0.2 to 0.4 in. (4 to 10 mm) long, 0.1 in. (1.5 to 2 mm) wide, and gray-green.
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| James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org | Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, bugwood.org |
Native Species That Resemble Weeping Lovegrass
- Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
- Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
Additional Images for Weeping Lovegrass
weeping lovegrass - Images at invasive.org
Learning Resources for Weeping Lovegrass
Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state's land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.
United States Land Grant University System - Find your Land Grant University's College of Agriculture, University Cooperative Extension Service, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Eragrostis curvula - Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
USGS Weeds in the West Project - U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and National Park Service
Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
A Management Guide for Invasive Plants of Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
