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Fendler threeawn
Aristida purpurea var.  fendleriana


Fort Collins

Synonyms
Aristida purpurea
Dimensions
Height: 4.0 in. to 3.0 ft.
Spread: 1.0 ft. to 1.5 ft.
Growth Form
Grass/Grass Like
Program Association
Nature in the City
Wildlife Uses
Grassland Birds, Pollinators/ Invertebrates, Shrubland Birds, Small Mammals
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Water Requirements
Very Low
Plant Community
Foothills, Plains
Season of Bloom
May, June, July, August, September
Flower Color
Inconspicious
Leaf Color
Green Shades
Aggressiveness
Readily Seeds
Design Considerations
Drought Tolerant
Other Considerations
Limited Availability
Duration
Perennial
Natural Landscape Position
Fort Collins Model
1, 2
Soil Type
Rocky, Sandy
Pests/Disease Prone
No
Hazards/Toxic
Keep Away From Pets. Seeds May Become Imbedded In Skin.

Notes

There are seven varieties of A. purpurea identified by USDA Plants National Database, all native to the U.S. Five of the varieties (longiseta, purpurea, wrightii, fendleriana, and nealleyi) are native to Colorado. Varieties longiseta, purpurea, and fendleriana are also native to the Fort Collins area. All of the varieties vary slightly in appearance, primarily in the length of awns.


This is an important larval food host for many of our native invertebrates. 


The seed heads of this plant vary from tawny to purple shades.