Eragrostis spectabilis #1 (Purple Love Grass)

Purple Love Grass is a compact, low-growing, warm-season grass that prefers dry, infertile soils. It thrives on neglect and prefers to grow in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and along rocky paths. In late summer, the bright reddish purple inflorescences are held high above the foliage. Backlit by the sun, a swath of blooming Purple Love Grass appears to be a sea of purple mist. These inflorescences turn brown by autumn’s end and break off of the plant, tumbling their way around the landscape to spread the seeds which make more of the glorious, misty drifts.

Sources:
Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
USDA Plants Database