Purpletop
Tridens flavus
Poaceae
Description
Stems are erect, but droop when mature. The sheaths are flattened and overlapping at the base, giving a mirror image on left and right. The panicle is open, spreading and pyramid shaped. The branchlets of the panicle give off a sticky juice that causes dirt to cling to it. Spikelets have five to seven flowers and are green to pale purple when ripe. At a glance, purpletop resembles johnsongrass in winter.
Purpletop is a perennial, warm-season, native - 36 to 60 inches tall.
Fair grazing for both livestock and wildlife.
Habitat
Prefers shady, woody spots and sandy soil.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains
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
