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| ## plains lovegrass {#plains-lovegrass .Title-Header}                 |
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| *Eragrostis intermedia* A.S. Hitchc.                                  |
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| Plant Symbol = ERIN                                                   |
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*Contributed By: USDA NRCS National Plant Data*

*Center*

# 

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.7909722222222224in"
height="1.8541666666666667in"}

## Alternate Name

plains love grass

## Uses 

Plains lovegrass provides good forage for livestock. Its seeds are eaten
by upland game birds. Because it usually makes up a small percentage of
the forage production on any site, it is seldom a key management
species.

## 

## Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status, such as, state noxious status
and wetland indicator values.

## Description

Plains lovegrass is a native, warm‑season, perennial bunch grass. The
height is between 2 and 3‑1/2 feet. The leaf blade is flat and rolls
inward under dry conditions giving a threadlike appearance. The leaf
sheath is mostly basal, smooth, as long as internodes, and has a
conspicuous line of hairs at the collar. The seedhead is a large and
showy open panicle that is brownish green in color before seed ripens.
The spikelets are 3‑ to 8‑flowered and extend horizontally from main
stem. Silver hairs are found around the stem at the panicle base.

*Distribution*: For current distribution, please consult the Plant
Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

**Management**

Proper management of other associated grasses keeps lovegrass vigorous.

## Establishment

Growth starts in the early spring. Because this grass has a high seed
stalk to leaf ratio, it is a low forage producer. It is seldom found in
pure stands, but is generally scattered throughout the plant community.
It grows on dry upland soils ranging from clay to sand.

## Cultivars, Improved and Selected Materials (and area of origin) 

Please contact your local NRCS Field Office.

## 

**Reference**

Leithead, H.L., L.L. Yarlett, & T.N. Shiflett. 1976. 100 native forage
grasses in 11 southern states. USDA SCS *Agriculture Handbook No. 389*,
Washington, DC.

## Prepared By & Species Coordinator:

*Percy Magee*, USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana

Edited: 13may02 ahv; jul03 ahv; 20sep05 jsp; 070116 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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