Purple Threeawn

Product Description

General Description:

Purple Threeawn (Aristada purpurea) is a short-lived, perennial bunchgrass that grows between 6- 30 inches tall. The plant grows very dense with long, slender leaves. The plant grows very upright with a green base and very feathery, reddish- purple seed heads.

Uses:

While often used as an ornamental plant the Purple Threeawn is also used for erosion control, revegetation, low maintenance landscaping, and the support of livestock/wildlife habitat– including songbirds, quail, and other small mammals and reptiles. Purple Threeawn is often used along roadsides, disturbed soils, and areas where animals burrow. The dense root system is very helpful for stabilizing soils and creating an environment that is helpful for wildflower growth and overall diversity in the ecosystem.

Planting Conditions:

Purple Threeawn prefers very arid climates, down to 6″ of annual precipitation. As a warm-season grass, Purple Threeawn prefers the high heat of the summer months, but is hardy enough to survive in areas down to -10 degrees F. It is suggested to be used in USDA zone 6 but is found from the western coast of North America to the east coast states including: North Carolina, Vermont, and South Carolina. Purple Threeawn prefers soils with a pH of 6.5-7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline). Purple Threeawn is most often found in the Southwest regions of the United States. Soil preferences range from dry, sandy and gravely soil to clay soil, on occasion.

Establishment:

The best time to plant Purple Threeawn is during the heat of the year, typically when temperatures are warm to hot. According to the NRCS, very little germination was recorded before seeds were subjected to air temperatures of over 104 degrees F. “Other studies shows optimum germination between 50 and 86 degrees F.” The seed should not be planted more than 1/4″-1″ deep, which can be accomplished with a drill or broadcast.

Seeding Rate:

Purple Threeawn can be seeded as a monoculture or in a seed mixture. Full stand seeding rate is 4 PLS pounds per acre or 5-10 pounds per acre bulk.

If used for ornamental plantings, it can be seeded at a rate of 1 pounds per 1,000 sq.ft.

Management:

Grazing should be avoided for two or more season to allow the plant to establish. Grazing can be accomplished while the plant is young, before going to seed. As a native plant, Purple Threeawn is known to spread quickly in disturbed and grazed areas. Once matured, the long awns can become lodged into the mouth, nose, and soft tissue of animals.