Purple Bluestem
Capillipedium assimile
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hainan, India, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, Nicobar Is., Pakistan, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Vietnam
iNaturalist: © naturalistchu (iNaturalist #250558694)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Capillipedium
- Species:
- Capillipedium assimile
- USDA Symbol:
- ANGL10
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Draudtia revellata, Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Lacinipolia meditata, ⚠️Cobweb Skipper (Hesperia metea)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, straw
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Common in fire-maintained prairies and savannas. Resprouts vigorously from crown and roots after burning.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open woodlands and grasslands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with warmth and moisture. Fresh seed germinates best.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI