Tufted Lovegrass
Eragrostis pectinacea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Tufted lovegrass is a native annual grass that forms small, delicate clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces airy seed heads from summer through fall and requires minimal water once established. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tufted 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 lifecycle creates gaps in landscaping
- Can appear weedy or unkempt
- Seed heads may look messy to traditional landscaping standards
Wildlife value
This grass provides nectar and pollen for bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. The seeds also offer food for small birds and the foliage can provide cover 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 Tufted Lovegrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.