SafePlants

Aristida havardii: Havard's Threeawn Grass

Aristida havardii, commonly known as Havard's threeawn, is a perennial grass species found in specific regions of the United States and Mexico.

Considerations for Pets

• This grass has awns, which could potentially cause mechanical irritation if they come into contact with pets, particularly around the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Considerations for Children

• As a grass with awns, direct contact may cause minor skin irritation.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aristida havardii Vasey
• Common Names: Havard's threeawn, harvard threeawn, Havard threeawn
• Rank: Species
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Aristida barbata E. Fourn.
  • Aristida barbata
  • Aristida scova Vasey ex Beal
• Nomenclatural Reference: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club xiii. (1886) 27.

Distribution and Habitat

• Aristida havardii is found in the United States, specifically in regions like New Mexico and Florida (Key West).
• It grows in specific habitat in association with Havard Shin Oak-Mesquite Brush

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Habit: Graminoid
• Duration: Perennial
• Growth Form: Cespitose (forming clumps)
• Culms: Slender, usually erect, occasionally decumbent, often tightly clustered into hemispheric clumps, ranging from 15-40 cm in height.

Associations

• Can be found in the same habitat as grama, purple three-awn, Roemer three-awn, buffalograss, little bluestem, and western wheatgrass.
• Frequently found with Havard Shin Oak and sand sage.
• Grows along side cane and little bluestem, sideoats grama, and red threeawns.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life: [https://eol.org/](https://eol.org/)
• Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences.
• Species.wikimedia.org: [https://species.wikimedia.org/](https://species.wikimedia.org/)