Purple Three Awn Grass. Aristida purpurea, Grass Family ( Poaceae ), Purple Three Awn. Also called . We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. Purple Three Awn Grass can grow 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 "three awn." The seed can lodge in pets paws or ears so this isn't a grass to use near them. It is extremely drought tolerant. Quick Notes: Height: Height normally about 18 inches tall. Will also spread to about 24 inches. Flowers: Its flowers are arranged in panicles with purplish seed head flowers rising above the foliage. Flowering Time: Phoenix Arizona. Mid August - September. Seeds: Its fruits are caryopses. The seed head is dark purple; narrow at the base and becoming loose and open at the top of its 6 - 12 inch length. Leaves: Simple, tan - green; medium blade width. Found: The USDA claims it is native to the USA (AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, KS, LA, MN, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SC, SD, TX, UT, VT, WA, WY), CAN (AB, BC, MB, SK). Also found in northern Mexico in the states of Baja Norte, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas. And southern Mexico in Oaxaca, & Puebla. Hardiness: USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 �C (-10 �F) USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 �C (-5 �F) USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 �C (0 �F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 �C (5 �F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 �C (10 �F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 �C (15 �F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 �C (20 �F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Elevation: 2,000 - 4,600 Feet. Habitat: Sandy desert soils, hot, sunny areas, good drainage, to 4,600 feet. Miscellaneous: Great xeriscape plant.

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