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(Triplasis purpurea)
Purple Sandgrass (Triplasis purpurea)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-09-10T16:49:47-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Triplasis purpurea, commonly known as Purple Sandgrass, is an annual grass native to coastal dunes and inland sandy habitats in the Central and Southeastern USA and Mexico. It can reach up to 13 dm (51 in) in height. The grass is characterized by its rose-purple spikelets that are 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) long, each containing two to five flowers with rather short pedicels. The flowering scales are oblong and twice lobed at their apex, with glabrous lower scales. Purple Sandgrass blooms from August to October, and its flowers are modestly showy, adding a touch of color to the landscape.
Purple Sandgrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and restoration projects. It is often used to stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion. This grass prefers full sun exposure and requires minimal water once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. While it is not commonly used in ornamental plantings, its unique coloration can provide visual interest in naturalistic landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Purple Sandgrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and restoration projects. It is often used to stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion. This grass prefers full sun exposure and requires minimal water once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. While it is not commonly used in ornamental plantings, its unique coloration can provide visual interest in naturalistic landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 0.5-2.5 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to coastal dunes and inland sandy habitats in the Central and Southeastern USA and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Purple Sand-Grass, Triplasis Pourpré, Purple Sand Grass
Scientific Names: , Triplasis purpurea, Triodia purpurea, Triplasis intermedia, Triplasis purpurea var. caribensis, Aira purpurea, Triplasis sparsiflora, Merisachne drummondii, Triplasis floridana, Triplasis glabra
GBIF Accepted Name: Triplasis purpurea (Walter) Chapm.