Purple Threeawn
(Aristida purpurea)
Purple Threeawn (Aristida purpurea)
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CK Kelly
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
CK Kelly
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: CK Kelly | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: CK Kelly | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-06-25T02:24:57Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aristida purpurea, commonly known as Purple Threeawn, is a perennial grass that is evergreen in warmer climates. It is native to open grasslands, plains, and open woodlands in the Mountain and Southwestern United States, as well as Mexico. Purple Threeawn typically grows erect to heights of up to 3 feet (under a meter), with a clumping habit that does not spread widely. The inflorescences display a distinctive light brown to reddish-purple color, particularly noticeable when the grass is backlit by sunlight. Flowering occurs from late spring through fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
Purple Threeawn is valued for its drought tolerance and its 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 growth habit. While it is not suitable for grazing due to sharp awns and low protein content, it provides habitat for wildlife. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. It is generally low-maintenance, but it can self-seed and become weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Purple Threeawn is valued for its drought tolerance and its 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 growth habit. While it is not suitable for grazing due to sharp awns and low protein content, it provides habitat for wildlife. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. It is generally low-maintenance, but it can self-seed and become weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 2-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to open grasslands, plains, and open woodlands in the Mountain and Southwestern United States, as well as Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Purple Three-Awn Grass , Aristide Pourprée
Scientific Names: Aristida purpurea , Aristida purpurea var. purpurea , Aristida roemeriana , Aristida purpurea var. perplexa , Aristida purpurea var. laxiflora , Aristida eggersii , Aristida purpurea var. berlandieri , Aristida purpurea var. micrantha , Aristida brownii , Aristida muhlenbergioides
GBIF Accepted Name: Aristida purpurea Nutt.