Purple Threeawn, Red Threeawn, Wiregrass, Democrat Grass
Aristida purpurea
| Family: | Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Aristida (ar-RISS-ti-duh) (Info) |
| Species: | purpurea (pur-PUR-ee-uh) (Info) |
| Synonym: | Aristida purpurea var. purpurea |
| Synonym: | Aristida longiseta |
| Synonym: | Aristida purpurea var. robusta |
| Synonym: | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta |
| Synonym: | Aristida purpurea var. glauca |
Category:
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Perennials
Water Requirements:
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Foliage:
Provides Winter Interest
This plant is resistant to deer
Foliage Color:
Blue-Green
Height:
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing:
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Bloom Color:
Medium Purple
Cream/Tan
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico
Austin, Texas (2 reports)
Gardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Neutral | On Feb 3, 2011, jpgreen from Roswell, NM (Zone 7a) wrote: Seedheads are quite beautiful especially in morning or afternoon sun but can be very invasive. |
| Neutral | On Nov 29, 2006, frostweed from Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: Purple Threeawn, Red Threeawn, Wiregrass, Democrat Grass Aristida purpurea is native to Texas and other States. |
