SafePlants

Spreading Three-awn Grass

Explore the fascinating world of Spreading Three-awn Grass, a resilient graminoid with a unique aesthetic. Learn about its taxonomy, distribution, and ecological significance.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Aristida divaricata (also commonly referenced as Aristida cognata Trin. & Rupr.)
• Common Names: Spreading Three-awn, Spreading Threeawn, Lossteekgras (Afrikaans), Poverty Three-awn, Piercing Grass, Wiregrass, Ticklegrass.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Order: Cyperales
• Synonyms and related taxa:
  • Aristida cognata Trin. & Rupr.
  • Aristida congesta subsp. barbicollis
  • Aristida congesta subsp. congesta

Distribution and Habitat

Spreading Three-awn Grass is found in various regions. It is described as growing in open grass and bushveld habitats. It is also found in Mexico, where it is known by names like "tres aristas barbado" and "zacate."

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• General: This plant is a perennial graminoid.
• Culms: Typically 30-50 cm tall, densely tufted, spreading, and branched at the base and often above.
• Blades: Involute and scabrous (rough to the touch). Leaf blades are erect to slightly spreading, up to 9 cm long.
• Seedhead: Narrow to moderately spreading panicle, often over 6 inches long. Spikelets are few, on pedicels.
• Awns: The grain is topped by three long, spreading awns. These awns are typically 3.5-4.5 cm long, occasionally up to 6 cm. They are soft when young but stiff and spreading when dry.
• Color: Old leaves can give the clumps a grayish-green color. Flower color can be purple.
• Size: Can grow to 1-2 feet in height and spread over 1-2 feet. Other types are referenced as 2-3 feet tall, 0-1 feet spread.

Ecological Role

The plant has a moderate ability to spread through seed production. Spreading Three-awn (Aristida congesta subsp. barbicollis) has been found as 4% of ground cover in certain regions.

Interactions with Other Organisms

Spreading Three-Awn serves as a larval host for Meske (likely referring to a butterfly or moth species).

Additional Information and Resources

• Further information can be found in the Encyclopedia of Life.
• Taxonomic information is available from the British Database of World Flora and Fauna.
• Garden Guides offers insights into gardening with related species like Arizona Threeawn.