Purpletop Tridens
Tridens flavus
Mason Brock (Masebrock)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Tridens
- Species:
- Tridens flavus
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul, oct
- Bloom Colors:
- brown
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala), crossline skipper (Polites origenes), Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris), Verna Skipper (Pompeius verna)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds may take 30 to 49 days to germinate. 3-4 weeks of cold stratification at 40°F may improve germination. Unstratified plug trays should be covered with clear, lightweight plastic and exposed to full sunlight in the greenhouse. Media should be kept continually moist. Direct sunlight appears to help. Bottom heat at 80°F and mist do not increase speed or percentage of germination.
Establishment: Seeds sown on blotter under mist failed to germinate. There are conflicting protocols regarding the need for stratification and the effect of bottom heat on germination. The protocol with higher germination rates was preferred in the synthesis.
Source: npn.rngr.net