About Eragrostis intermedia Hitchc.
Eragrostis intermedia Hitchc. is a grass species commonly called plains lovegrass. It is native to North and Central America, distributed from the southeastern and southwestern United States south to Costa Rica, and its range may extend into South America. This grass grows in tufts that reach up to 90 centimeters tall, and sometimes exceeds one meter in height. Its leaves grow up to 25 centimeters long. Its inflorescence is a panicle with a pyramidal or ovate shape. Each of its spikelets holds up to 11 flowers. The plant reproduces by seed, or by sprouting from buds located at the bases of its stems. This species grows in desert grassland, prairie, chaparral, shrubsteppe, pinyon-juniper woodland, and oak-dominated woodlands. It is often found on dry, sloping terrain, and can easily establish itself in disturbed habitat. It grows best in sandy soils and areas with bimodal precipitation patterns that include wet seasons in both winter and summer. In its native habitat, it is one of the first plants to turn green in the spring. Its abundance has been observed to increase after wildfire. This grass provides good forage for livestock, but its populations decrease with overgrazing. Some game birds have been recorded eating its seeds.
