Purple Threeawn
Aristida purpurea
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Aristida
- Species:
- Aristida purpurea
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- Less than 6 in
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
- Bloom Colors:
- Purple
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- dry, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in arid and semi-arid regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are directly sown into SC-10 Super Cells (3 per cell) in July containing a medium of 1.5 parts vermiculite, 1 part sterile sand, 1 part coarse turface, and 2 parts peat moss. Cells are watered thoroughly after sowing and are not allowed to dry out completely during germination.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected from sites within the Park when fruits have fully matured. The plant is found throughout the western United States and east to Minnesota and south to Louisiana. It is also found in Virginia and West Virginia.
Source: npn.rngr.net