Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Aristida

Species:

Aristida portoricensis

USDA Symbol:

ARPO3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct,nov

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Typical C4 warm-season grass that resprouts vigorously from crown after fire. Common in fire-maintained coastal grasslands and savannas.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to dry, rocky areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Warm-season grass with relatively quick germination in warm temperatures. Seeds prefer surface sowing or very shallow coverage.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI