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arrowfeather threeawn
Scientific Name: Aristida purpurascens
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: CT (arrowfeather), MA (purple needlegrass), PA (ar
Arrowfeather Threeawn (Aristida purpurascens)
Aristida purpurascens, commonly known as arrowfeather threeawn, is a perennial grass native to eastern North America. It is recognized for its role in natural landscapes and habitat restoration and sometimes used in butterfly gardens.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has stiff, wiry culms.
- The leaves are described as having potentially sharp tips.
- It can seed aggressively.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aristida purpurascens Poir.
- Common Names: Arrowfeather Threeawn, Arrow-feather, Threeawn
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Tribe: Aristideae
- Synonyms: USDA Symbol: ARPU8
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to eastern North America.
- Rare in New England coastal sandplains, found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Morphological Characteristics
- Height: Up to 2.5 feet tall.
- Culms: Stiffly erect, simple or sparingly branched, and glabrous (smooth).
- Blades: Flat or involute (rolled inward) near the tip, 4 to 8 inches long, and less than 0.08 inch wide.
- Growth Habit: Graminoid, perennial.
Ecological Role
- Recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations.
- Can seed aggressively and form dense stands if left unchecked.
Quirky Facts
- Arrowfeather threeawn has distinctive curled leaves.
Further Resources
- USDA NRCS National Plant Data: [http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARPU8](http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARPU8)
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database
- Discover Life: Page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Aristida purpurascens