Also known as Grass · Slender Cup Grass · Spring Grass
Category: Ornamental
Type: Grass
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water: Regular
Temperature: Average Room Temperature
Eriochloa procera, commonly known as Cup Grass, is a warm-season perennial grass with a widespread distribution, often found in disturbed areas and grasslands.
Eriochloa procera, commonly known as Cup Grass, is a species of grass belonging to the Poaceae family. This annual or perennial grass is recognized for its distinctive inflorescence and its role in various ecosystems.
Physically, Eriochloa procera is an erect to spreading grass that can reach heights of 30 to 150 centimeters. Its stems are typically smooth and can be branched. The leaves are linear, measuring between 10 to 30 centimeters in length and 5 to 15 millimeters in width, with a rough texture on the upper surface and smooth on the lower. The ligule is a fringe of hairs. The inflorescence is a panicle, often appearing somewhat contracted, with spikelets arranged along the branches. A notable feature of the spikelets is the presence of a cup-shaped structure at their base, which gives the grass its common name. The glumes are unequal, with the lower glume being much shorter than the upper glume, which is often boat-shaped and encloses the fertile floret. The caryopsis, or grain, is oblong and typically measures around 1.5 to 2 millimeters in length.
Eriochloa procera is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It thrives in a variety of habitats, often found in moist areas such as grasslands, savannas, disturbed sites, and along the edges of water bodies. It prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types. While it is a wild species, its adaptability means it can also be found in cultivated areas, sometimes as a weed.
The ecological significance of Eriochloa procera lies in its contribution to grassland ecosystems, providing forage for herbivores and habitat for various invertebrates. In some regions, it has been noted for its potential as a pasture grass due to its relatively palatable foliage. However, its weedy tendencies in certain agricultural contexts have also been documented. There is limited scientifically documented information regarding its ornamental, medicinal, culinary, or significant economic uses beyond its role in natural forage.
An interesting characteristic of Eriochloa procera is the morphology of its spikelets, particularly the prominent cup-like structure formed by the glumes. This adaptation may play a role in seed dispersal or protection. The grass's ability to establish in disturbed areas highlights its resilience and capacity for rapid colonization under favorable conditions. Its life cycle, whether annual or perennial depending on environmental factors, further contributes to its ecological adaptability.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Light
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers bright light but can tolerate some shade.
Watering
Regular
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Soil
Loam, Sandy loam, Clay loam
50% intensity
Temperature
Average Room Temperature
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C.
Fertilizer
Moderate
50% intensity
Fertilize monthly during growing season.
Cup Grass Toxicity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
Toxicity details for Cup Grass
Attribute
Value
Toxic for humans
No
0/5 intensity
Toxic for pets
No
0/5 intensity
Cup Grass Quick Facts
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Plant Type
Grass
Plant Category
Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Garden, Pot
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Height
0.3-1.5 m
Spread
0.3-0.6 m
Growth Rate
Fast
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Linear
Optimal Sunlight Lux
80000
Care guide for Cup Grass
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially during the growing season.
Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Pruning
Prune to maintain desired shape and size, and to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Regular light pruning encourages bushier growth.
In late fall or early spring, consider cutting back overgrown plants to promote new vigor.
Propagation
Propagate from seeds sown in spring or by division of established clumps. Seeds can be sown directly into well-draining soil.
Divisions should be carefully separated and replanted, ensuring each section has sufficient roots and shoots.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, preferably in spring. Choose a pot one size larger with ample drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Gently loosen the root ball before placing it in the new container.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · FebPeak fruit · Feb
FloweringFruiting
Image Gallery
Photos of Cup Grass (Eriochloa procera)
Cup Grass Names & Synonyms
Common names and botanical synonyms
Common Names
Cup Grass
Grass
Slender Cup Grass
Spring Grass
Tropical Cupgrass
Synonyms
Agrostis procera Retz.
Agrostis ramosa (Retz.) Poir.
Eriochloa annulata (Flüggé) Kunth
Eriochloa hackelii Honda
Eriochloa ramosa (Retz.) Kuntze
Eriochloa sundaica Miq.
Helopus annulatus (Flüggé) Nees
Helopus javanicus Steud.
Helopus pilosus (Retz.) Trin.
Milium ramosum Retz.
Milium zonatum Llanos
Panicum annulatum (Flüggé) A.Rich.
Paspalum annulatum Flüggé
Thysanolaena procera (Retz.) Mez
Vilfa procera (Retz.) P.Beauv.
Cup Grass Taxonomy
Botanical classification
Taxonomic classification of Cup Grass
Rank
Name
kingdom
Plantae
division
Tracheophyta
class
Liliopsida
order
Poales
family
Poaceae
genus
Eriochloa
species
Eriochloa procera
Cup Grass FAQs
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
What is the scientific name for Cup Grass?
The scientific name for Cup Grass is Eriochloa procera.
Is Eriochloa procera an invasive species?
While widespread and often found in disturbed areas, its invasive potential varies by region. It is not globally recognized as a highly invasive species.
What are the preferred growing conditions for Cup Grass?
Cup Grass prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor and compacted soils. It often grows in moist to dry conditions.
Can Eriochloa procera be used for animal fodder?
Yes, it is utilized as a forage grass for livestock in many of the regions where it naturally occurs.
Does Cup Grass have ornamental value in gardens?
Eriochloa procera is generally not planted for ornamental purposes in gardens and is more commonly found in natural or disturbed landscapes.