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Texas cupgrass

Eriochloa sericea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Texas cupgrass (Eriochloa sericea) is a perennial grass native to KS, OK, TX. It blooms in June, July, August, and September. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Texas cupgrass (Eriochloa sericea)
Photo: (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick

Toxicity unknown

Texas cupgrass (Eriochloa sericea) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

KS, OK, TX

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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A warm-season perennial bunchgrass with slender, upright to arching blue-green blades forming loose clumps. Produces narrow seed spikes in summer that mature to a tan color. Foliage dies back to the crown in winter and regrows from the base each spring. Tolerates rocky, dry, well-drained soils and needs little supplemental irrigation once established.

Growing Texas cupgrass

Grow Texas cupgrass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Texas cupgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

  • informal grassy texture may read as unmown to some HOA reviewers if not grouped or edged

Wildlife value

Foliage and seed provide grazing and forage value, and dense clumps offer shelter for small ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Texas cupgrass need?
Texas cupgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Texas cupgrass bloom?
Texas cupgrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Texas cupgrass native?
Texas cupgrass (Eriochloa sericea) is native to KS, OK, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Texas cupgrass HOA-friendly?
Texas cupgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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.

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

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz