Purple threeawn
Aristida purpurea
Poaceae
Description
This densely tufted bunchgrass has leaves up to 5 inches long that roll inward. The seed head is narrow, nodding, loose and purplish, with many three-awned spikelets. The second glume is twice as long as the first. The awns are widely spreading, nearly equal in length, and 1 to 2 inches long. Has also been called "needlegrass".
Purple threeawn is a perennial, warm-season, native - 12 to 30 inches tall.
Poor grazing for both livestock and wildlife. It is grazed only in the spring when plants are green and leaves are young
Habitat
Grows on rocky hills and sandy plains and increases on overgrazed ranges.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses
