Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Grasses

Purple Three Awn, Aristida purpurea

Purple Three Awn, Aristida purpurea

Purple Three Awn Aristida purpurea	Purple Three Awn Aristida purpurea

Purple Three Awn Aristida purpurea, Grass Family ( Poaceae ), Purple Three Awn. Also called . Purple Three Awn Grass can grow 1 - 2 1/2 feet in height and spread over 1 - 2 feet feet wide. It is a tough, perennial bunchgrass. It has purple seed heads which wave gracefully in the wind. It is recommended for erosion control on slopes, hillsides, and in canyons. The seed head that carries the seed is a 3-spoked (3-awned) pinwheel hence the name threeawn. The seed can lodge in pets paws or ears so this isn't a grass to use near them. It is extremely drought tolerant. Height: Height normally about 18 inches tall. Will also spread to about 24 inches. Flowers: Purplish seed heads. Blooming Time: Mid August - September. Leaves: Simple, tan - green; medium blade width. Elevation: 2,000 to 4,500 Feet. Habitat: Sandy to rocky soils, slopes, plains. Western North America and parts of northern Mexico. Miscellaneous: Hardy to 15 degrees F.