When does Purple Love Grass bloom?

Purple Love Grass blooms from July through September, producing showy purple to pinkish flower panicles.

Where is Eragrostis spectabilis native?

Purple Love Grass is native to most of the United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

What pollinators visit Purple Love Grass?

Purple Love Grass attracts bees and beetles, though as a wind-pollinated grass, it relies primarily on wind for reproduction.

What growing conditions does Purple Love Grass prefer?

This drought-tolerant grass thrives in full sun and low water conditions, making it excellent for xeriscaping and naturalized areas.

Is Purple Love Grass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Purple Love Grass as toxic to livestock.

Is Purple Love Grass HOA-friendly?

Purple Love Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Purple Love Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eragrostis spectabilis

Last reviewed: July 2026

Purple Love Grass is a native warm-season grass found across most of the United States, blooming from July through September with distinctive purple flower clusters.

Purple Love Grass (Eragrostis spectabilis) — Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Purple Love Grass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 36 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Purple love grass is a compact native ornamental grass that forms neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. In late summer, it produces distinctive purple-tinted seed heads that create an airy, cloud-like appearance above the grass blades.

Growing Purple Love Grass

Grow Purple Love Grass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Purple Love 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

The flowers attract bees and beetles during its summer bloom period. Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

When does Purple Love Grass bloom?: Purple Love Grass blooms from July through September, producing showy purple to pinkish flower panicles.
Where is Eragrostis spectabilis native?: Purple Love Grass is native to most of the United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.
What pollinators visit Purple Love Grass?: Purple Love Grass attracts bees and beetles, though as a wind-pollinated grass, it relies primarily on wind for reproduction.
What growing conditions does Purple Love Grass prefer?: This drought-tolerant grass thrives in full sun and low water conditions, making it excellent for xeriscaping and naturalized areas.
Is Purple Love Grass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Purple Love Grass as toxic to livestock.
Is Purple Love Grass HOA-friendly?: Purple Love Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Purple Love Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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