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(Aristida ternipes)
Spidergrass (Aristida ternipes)
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Cecelia Alexander
CC0 1.0
Image By:
Cecelia Alexander
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Copyright:
CC0 1.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cecelia Alexander | License Type: CC0 1.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: aspidoscelis | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aristida ternipes, commonly known as Spidergrass, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to open grasslands and savannas in the Neotropics and the Southwestern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and can spread to about 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. Spidergrass has a fine-textured appearance with slender leaves and produces delicate, wiry seed heads that resemble spiders, hence the common name. The flowering season extends through the late summer and fall, with the seed heads adding visual interest to the landscape.
Spidergrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control due to its extensive root system. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun exposure and tolerating a range of soil types, provided they have medium drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can occasionally suffer from rust in humid conditions. Spidergrass is not typically invasive, but it can self-seed readily in suitable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Spidergrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control due to its extensive root system. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun exposure and tolerating a range of soil types, provided they have medium drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can occasionally suffer from rust in humid conditions. Spidergrass is not typically invasive, but it can self-seed readily in suitable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
native to open grasslands and savannas in the Neotropics and the Southwestern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Spider Threeawn
Scientific Names: , Aristida ternipes, Aristida ternipes var. ternipes, Aristida scabra, Aristida ternipes var. minor, Aristida ternipes var. divergens, Aristida divergens, Aristida schiedeana var. minor, Aristida tenuis, Streptachne scabra
GBIF Accepted Name: Aristida ternipes Cav.