Eragrostis trichodes (Nutt.) Wood, sand lovegrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, short-lived, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 2-1/2 to 5 feet. 
Leaf blade: Flat; narrow; rolls inward under dry condi- 
tions, giving threadlike appearance. 
Leaf sheath: Rounded; nearly as long as internodes; hairy 
an inch or so below collar. 
Seedhead: Large, open, purplish panicle; spikelets mostly 4- 
to 6-flowered. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
This grass has a high stem to leaf ratio. After stems are grazed 
off, they often become stiff and harsh to touch. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Nebraska to Illinois, south to Texas. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows principally on deep sands and sandy loam soils. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Sand lovegrass is grazed by livestock and is sometimes cut for 
hay. Occasionally, it is included in range-seeding mixtures for 
quick cover and forage production. 
This grass is seldom a key management species. It cures well 
on stem and provides good grazing in fall and winter if grazing is 
deferred during summer months. 
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