Ehrharta spp.
veldtgrass
Overview
Ehrharta spp. is a genus of about 35 species of annual and perennial grasses in the family Poaceae, native mainly to southern Africa, with a few species in Asia and on Indian Ocean islands. Plants are tufted to loosely spreading, 20-120 cm (8-48 in) tall, with flat or rolled leaf blades and open or spike-like flower panicles. The spikelets are characteristic in the grass family, carrying two sterile lower florets beneath a single fertile one. Several perennial species, such as E. calycina (perennial veldtgrass) and E. erecta (panic veldtgrass), grow year-round in mild climates and spread by seed and short rhizomes. Some of these have become invasive weeds of coastal scrub, woodland, and disturbed ground in California, Australia, and New Zealand, where they crowd out native grasses. The genus grows in grassland, open woodland, sandy flats, and rocky slopes, and most species tolerate drought, poor soils, and shade. In its native range Ehrharta is grazed by livestock and wildlife.
Native Range
Native mainly to southern Africa, with the greatest diversity in the Cape region, and a few species in Asia and on islands of the Indian Ocean. Plants grow in grassland, fynbos, open woodland, sandy flats, and rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
In its native range and in similar climates Ehrharta is used for pasture, soil binding on sandy ground, and informal grassy plantings in sun or shade. Use outside the native range is limited by the invasiveness of several perennial species.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Grasses are wind-pollinated and do not have showy flowers. Ehrharta spp. produces panicles of small green to purplish spikelets, mainly in spring and summer, though perennial species in mild climates can flower over much of the year. Abundant seed follows and spreads readily.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to purplishFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to shade in a wide range of free-draining soils, including poor and sandy ground. Established plants tolerate drought, and perennial species stay green through mild winters but are frost-tender where winters are cold. Growth is fast, and the weedy perennial species self-sow heavily, so seed heads are removed before they ripen where spread is a concern. Clumps are cut back in late winter to refresh growth. In regions where veldtgrasses are invasive, planting is restricted or discouraged.Pruning
Clumps are cut or mown back in late winter to remove old growth before the new season. Seed heads are sheared off through the season to limit self-sowing. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons