ERAGROSTIS Copyright 2002, A.F. Cholewa, J.F. Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota / No portion of this guide may be duplicated without written permission of author.
 

Eragrostis pectinacea



Eragrostis cilianensis

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
This genus is characterized by an open panicle inflorescence
in which the spikelets are several-flowered and awnless,
though they can be acute or even acuminate.  The paleas
have 2 keels each with an obvious nerve and often ciliate;
they usually persist on the inflorescence after the fruit have
matured and fallen.

8 species in MN; 4 native


Common species:
Eragrostis pectinacea  (eh rah gros' tis   peck tih nay' see ah) 
Synonyms:  None

Common names:  pink grass, purple love grass

Origin and habitat:  Native; dry to moist disturbed habitats 
and gardens.

Identifying characters:  An annual, fairly short (1-6 dm/ tall) 
grass with clustered stems branching from near the base, 
giving the plant a bushy appearance.  Leaves have long hairs 
at the collar and the ligule is a fringe of hairs.  Inflorescences 
are large open panicles with the several-flowered spikelets 
slightly compressed, greenish in appearance.

Comments:  This can be a fairly rapidly spreading weed 
along roadways, sandy paths, and other heavily trafficked lanes.

MAPS

ADDITIONAL SPECIES IN MINNESOTA:
E. cilianensis
E. frankii
E. hypnoides
E. minor
E. pilosa
E. spectabilis
E. trichodes

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