Plains Lovegrass
Eragrostis intermedia
Last reviewed: October 2026
Toxicity unknown
Plains Lovegrass (Eragrostis intermedia) 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 Plains Lovegrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees
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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Plains Lovegrass.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Plains lovegrass is a fine-textured native bunch grass that forms compact clumps with delicate, airy seed heads. It thrives in sunny, dry locations and provides excellent drought tolerance once established. The grass maintains an attractive upright form throughout the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Plains Lovegrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- May appear too informal for conservative HOAs
- Seed heads could be perceived as messy by some
Wildlife value
This native grass provides seeds for birds and nesting material for small wildlife. Its fine texture offers habitat for beneficial insects while supporting native ecosystem health.
Common questions
- How much sun does Plains Lovegrass need?
- Plains Lovegrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Plains Lovegrass bloom?
- Plains Lovegrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Plains Lovegrass native?
- Plains Lovegrass (Eragrostis intermedia) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Plains Lovegrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Plains Lovegrass as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Plains Lovegrass attract?
- Plains Lovegrass draws bees.
- Is Plains Lovegrass HOA-friendly?
- Plains Lovegrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Plains Lovegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.