Purple Sandgrass
Triplasis purpurea
- Native to:
- Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
Albert Spear Hitchcock (1865–1935), Mary Agnes Chase (1869–1963), A. H. Baldwin, (Miss) M. D. Baker, Mary Wright Gill, Frank Lamson-Scribner, W. R. Scholl, Theodore Holm, Leta Hughey, Benjamin Y. Morrison, Mrs. George M. Mullett, Frances Carnes Weintraub,
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Triplasis
- Species:
- Triplasis purpurea
- USDA Symbol:
- TRPU4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish, purple
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Occurs in fire-prone coastal dune and sand prairie habitats; may benefit from occasional fire to reduce competition.
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:
- commonly found in coastal dunes and sandy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required