Characteristics:
A. purpurascens is a bunching perennial grass that tolerates moderate shade. It reaches heights of 1.5 - 2’ with flat narrow leaf blades 4 - 12” long. The leaf blades are hairless, pale green, and up to 25 centimeters in length. They may become curly with age. The bronzy seedheads have three long, dramatic awns, hence the name. Seeds contain barblike hairs at the base. Arrowfeather threeawn is extremely well-adapted to fire in the landscape, requiring its influence to mitigate competition from other species in its own natural habitat.
Cultivation:
Arrowfeather threeawn prefers well-drained sandy soils. In a wild planting, controlled burning or similar ecological management will be needed to ensure that its populations are not crowded out by other grasses over time.
Aristida purpurascens
Arrowfeather Threeawn
Type: Perennial Bunchgrass
Family: Poaceae
Height: 1.5 to 2 ft
Spread: 1.5 to 2 ft
Bloom: purplish bronze, August to February
Sun: Part Shade
Water: dry to medium
Tolerates: Drought, sandy soil, fire, deer