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purple threeawn
Aristida purpurea


United States

Dimensions
Height: 4.0 in. to 3.0 ft.
Spread: 1.0 ft. to 1.5 ft.
Growth Form
Grass/Grass Like
Program Association
Nature in the City
Wildlife Uses
Grassland Birds, Pollinators/ Invertebrates, Shrubland Birds, Small Mammals
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Water Requirements
Very Low
Plant Community
Foothills, Plains
Season of Bloom
May, June, July, August, September
Flower Color
Inconspicious
Leaf Color
Green Shades
Aggressiveness
Readily Seeds
Design Considerations
Drought Tolerant
Other Considerations
Deer Tolerant, Limited Availability
Duration
Perennial
Soil Type
Rocky, Sandy
Pests/Disease Prone
No
Hazards/Toxic
Keep Away From Pets. Seeds May Become Imbedded In Skin.

Notes

There are seven varieties of A. purpurea identified by USDA Plants National Database, all native to the U.S. Five of the varieties (longiseta, purpurea, wrightii, fendleriana, and nealleyi) are native to Colorado. Varieties longiseta, purpurea, and fendleriana are also native to the Fort Collins area. All of the varieties vary slightly in appearance, primarily in the length of awns.