Skip to main content

Gophertail Lovegrass

Eragrostis ciliaris

Last reviewed: June 2026

Gophertail Lovegrass (Eragrostis ciliaris)
Photo: National Museum of Natural History / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states

Gophertail lovegrass is a native annual grass that forms compact clumps with fine-textured foliage and delicate seed heads. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established. The grass blooms from June through September with airy, attractive flower spikes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Gophertail Lovegrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Annual nature means it dies back completely each year
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional landscaping standards
  • May self-seed unpredictably creating patchy appearance

Wildlife value

This native grass provides seeds for birds and small wildlife during fall and winter months. The fine foliage offers nesting material and shelter for beneficial insects.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Gophertail Lovegrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.