SafePlants

Aristida spiciformis - Bottlebrush Threeawn

Aristida spiciformis, commonly known as Bottlebrush Threeawn, is a perennial graminoid belonging to the genus Aristida. It is also known as Pine Barren Three-Awned Grass and Foxtail Threeawn.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant possesses "awns," which are stiff bristles.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aristida spiciformis Elliott
• Common Names: Bottlebrush Threeawn, Pine Barren Three-Awned Grass, Foxtail Threeawn
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Genus: Aristida L.
• Species: Aristida spiciformis Elliott
• Synonyms: The text mentions that Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase) published a manual in 1950 which mentioned the plant.

Distribution and Habitat

• The natural range extends from Texas to North Carolina, and includes Puerto Rico and possibly Mexico.
• It is found in moist pinewoods.
• Specifically mentioned locations include Hal Scott Preserve and Regional Park, and Isle of Pine Preserve, both in Orange County, Florida.
• Grows statewide in Florida.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a perennial graminoid.
• The term "awn" is defined as a stiff bristle, especially those growing from the ear of a grass.
• Grows in bunches of 10-15 inches.

Ecological Role and Associations

• Associated with Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) and wiregrass (Aristida stricta).
• Found in soils that are both droughty and poorly drained.
• Grows with redtop panic grass (Panicum rigidulum), broom sedge (Andropogon virginicus), and wand goldenrod (Solidago stricta).

Quirky Facts

• The text reveals that the author has favorite grasses, and Bottlebrush Threeawn is one of them.

Cultivation Notes

• If grown in a container, it will have slightly different needs compared to a specimen growing in its natural habitat.

Further Information

• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aristida spiciformis.
• The 2014 Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants provides information on Aristida spiciformis.