Arrowfeather Threeawn
(Aristida purpurascens)
Arrowfeather Threeawn (Aristida purpurascens)
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Jay Horn
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jay Horn
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jay Horn | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jay Horn | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-08-28T13:57:05-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aristida purpurascens, commonly known as Arrowfeather Threeawn, is a deciduous perennial grass native to open woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands across the Eastern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. It typically grows to a height of up to 100 centimeters, forming dense tufts or bunches without the use of rhizomes. The leaves are hairless, pale green, and can reach up to 25 centimeters in length, often curling as they mature. The inflorescences are panicle-shaped, with branches held close to the stem, giving it a narrow appearance. Flowering occurs in late summer to fall, and while the flowers are not particularly showy, they have a distinctive, feathery look that can add texture to a garden setting.
Arrowfeather Threeawn is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used for erosion control due to its bunching habit. This grass prefers full sun exposure and can handle a range of water conditions, from low to medium, but requires well-drained soils to prevent root rot. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and become weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Arrowfeather Threeawn is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used for erosion control due to its bunching habit. This grass prefers full sun exposure and can handle a range of water conditions, from low to medium, but requires well-drained soils to prevent root rot. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and become weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 0.333-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands across the Eastern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean
Other Names
Common Names: Arrow-Feather Threeawn
Scientific Names: , Aristida purpurascens, Aristida purpurascens var. tenuispica, Aristida tenuispica, Aristida affinis, Aristida purpurascens var. minor, Aristida purpurescens var. tenuispica, Aristida geyeriana, Aristida purpurascens var. glaucissima, Aristida purpurascens var. alabamensis
GBIF Accepted Name: Aristida purpurascens Poir.