Eragrostis intermedia Hitchc., plains lovegrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 2 to 3-1/2 feet. 
Leaf blade: Flat; rolls inward under dry conditions, giving 
threadlike appearance. 
Leaf sheath: Mostly basal; smooth; as long as inter nodes; 
conspicuous line of hair at collar. % 
Seedhead: Open panicle large and showy, brownish green 
before seed ripen; spikelets 3- to 8-flowered extend hori- 
zontally from main stem; silver hair around stem at base 
of panicle. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in early spring. Because this grass has a high 
seedstalk to leaf ratio, it is a low forage producer. Seldom found 
in pure stands but is generally scattered throughout the plant 
community. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Primarily throughout southern Plains, east to Georgia, west to 
California, and south to Central America. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows on dry upland soils ranging from clay to sand. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Plains lovegrass provides good forage for livestock. Its seed are 
eaten by upland game birds. Because it usually makes up a small 
percentage of the forage production on any site, it is seldom a key 
management species. 
Management of other associated grasses keeps lovegrass vigor- 
ous. 
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