Eragrostis spectabilis

Sizes available: HPP #1, 2 per pot

Basics: zones 5-9, 8" - 2' (in bloom) x 1-2', full sun, in late summer the blooming inflorescence turns purple creating a lovely haze when grown en masse. This haze matures to tan later in the season. Prefers dry to medium moisture, tolerates lean soil, can adapt to wetter soils as long as they are very well-drained

Common names: Purple Love Grass, Tumblegrass, Petticoat Climber (cheeky thing!)

Family: Poaceae

Origin/Distribution: eastern and central North America from Maine west to South Dakota, south to Florida, Arizona, and into Mexico

Habitat: sandy soils, disturbed and gravelly areas, railroad edges, dry grasslands, open woods, roadsides 

More: Late in the summer or early fall while driving around Maine watch for this plant blooming in large swathes along the most inhospitable road edges imaginable. It looks gorgeous and you may drive off the road while admiring it, so be careful! It is juglone and salt tolerant, small mammals and song birds eat the seeds, and it is good winter nesting material and cover. Good for a sunny problem area with dry soils where other plants don't want to grow. Has rock garden potential but may self sow too much, can be used as a lawn alternative or attractive ground cover planting framing taller perennials and providing a breathtaking seasonal finish. 

Nursery: Landscape plugs from New Moon, grown on by Honey Petal Plants

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons