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threeawn

Scientific Name: Aristida

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Purple Three-Awn and Relatives

This page provides information about various grasses in the Aristida genus, commonly known as three-awn grasses, with a focus on Purple Three-Awn (Aristida purpurea).

Considerations for Pets

  • These grasses possess awns (stiff hairs at the end of the spikelet), which may pose a risk of irritation or injury if they come into contact with your pet's skin, eyes, or mouth.

Considerations for Children

  • These grasses possess awns (stiff hairs at the end of the spikelet), which may pose a risk of irritation or injury if they come into contact with your child's skin, eyes, or mouth.

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Aristida purpurea
  • Common Names: Purple Three-Awn, Red Three-Awn, Arrowfeather Three-Awn, Oldfield Three-Awn, Wiregrass, Ticklegrass

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Tribe: Aristideae
  • Synonyms/Related Species:
    • Aristida stricta (Pineland Three-Awn)
    • Aristida oligantha (Prairie Three-Awn/Sixweeks Three-Awn)
    • Aristida purpurascens (Arrowfeather Three-Awn)
    • Aristida fendleriana
    • Aristida longiseta
    • Aristida inaequiglumis (Feathertop Three-Awn)
    • Aristida beyrichiana (Beyrich Three-Awn)
    • Aristida gyrans (Corkscrew Three-Awn)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America.
  • Aristida purpurea is widespread and found in various locations including the Edwards Plateau in Texas.
  • Aristida gyrans is found in Florida, specifically in dry flatwoods, scrub, and dry disturbed sites.
  • Often found in rangelands, overgrazed areas, and disturbed sites such as roadsides.

Ecological Role

  • Some Aristida species, like Aristida oligantha (Prairie Three-Awn), can be considered weedy and invasive, especially in grasslands.
  • Red three-awn can be an indicator of disturbed sites.
  • Purple three-awn can form near monocultures and create a stable state on rangelands.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Densely tufted bunchgrass.
  • Leaves can be up to 5 inches long and roll inward.
  • Each spikelet has three awns (stiff hairs at the end).
  • Some species are annual, while others are perennial.
  • Culms (stems) can be erect or sprawl across the ground.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • A plant pathogenic urediniomycete fungus has been described from three-awn grass.
  • Red Three-Awn is not a favorite of grazing animals.

Quirky Facts

  • With a gentle breeze, the purple three-awn inflorescences can create the illusion of a purple earth.
  • In Yuma County, red three-awn is grown primarily as a seed crop.

Further Information

  • USDA Forest Service Species Summary
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database
  • Discover Life: Discover Life