Islandthicket Threeawn

Aristida refracta

Native to:
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Aristida
Species:
Aristida refracta
USDA Symbol:
ARRE4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Tolerates fire and resprouts vigorously from crown after burning. Common in fire-maintained scrub and sandhill ecosystems of Florida.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Common in arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily at warm temperatures without pretreatment. Light exposure may enhance germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI