Lazy-man's Grass
Eremochloa ophiuroides
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Lazy-man's Grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Lazy-man's Grass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaLazy-man's grass is a low-growing, drought-tolerant perennial grass that forms a dense, spreading carpet. It stays evergreen in mild winters and requires minimal maintenance once established. This grass works well as a groundcover alternative to traditional turf in sunny areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lazy-man's Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This grass provides habitat and nesting material for small wildlife but offers limited value for pollinators since it rarely flowers. It may support some ground-dwelling insects and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lazy-man's Grass need?
- Lazy-man's Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
- Is Lazy-man's Grass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lazy-man's Grass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Lazy-man's Grass HOA-friendly?
- Lazy-man's Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Lazy-man's Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz