Tufted lovegrass
Eragrostis caroliniana
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Eragrostis caroliniana is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Sandy shores, ditches and disturbed habitats, mainly on sandy soils.
Europe to Eastern N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - ground into a flour and used as a cereal.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any good loam or humus-rich soil in a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. The seed can also be sown in situ in mid to late spring, though in a cool summer it may fail to ripen many seeds.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist