Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Aristida

Species:

Aristida stricta

USDA Symbol:

ARST5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

sep,oct,nov

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals, ground-nesting birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Obligate component of fire-maintained longleaf pine ecosystems. Requires frequent fire (1-3 year intervals) to suppress woody encroachment and maintain vigor. Flowering and seed production enhanced by growing-season burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Common in pine flatwoods and sandhills

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm temperatures without pretreatment. Light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI