Light. Full sun is best, and it tolerates partial shade. It does well on hot, dry sites.
Water. Water regularly for a couple of weeks after planting, until it is established. After that it should not need extra irrigation, even during droughts.
Soil and feeding. It handles a range of soils but does best in sand. It also tolerates occasional flooding.
Size. Grows to about 2 ft, in a tufted clump 1–2 ft wide with stiff, arching leaves.
Pruning. At the end of winter, just before new growth starts, cut it back to a few inches above the ground. Divide clumps in winter while they are dormant.
Good to know. A Florida native that blooms in October and November, with tan to gray plumes. It is a larval host for the zabulon skipper, and birds eat the seed. It also helps control erosion on slopes.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Lovegrass · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Eragrostis elliottii
