Purple Three Awn
Aristida purpurea
Care
full sun
very low
Fast, Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils.
2–3ft tall , 2–2ft wide
Jan-Dec
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Southern California deserts and interior dry areas from San Bernardino County to San Diego County, 1500-5000 ft elevation in desert scrub.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Purple Three Awn in full sun with fast-draining to medium soil - it tolerates a variety of soil types, so amend heavy clay only if drainage is truly poor. Space plants 2–3 feet apart to accommodate their mature size. Fall or early spring planting works best in the Bay Area. This grass isn't fussy about soil quality, making it an excellent choice for tough spots where other plants struggle.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer, then taper off as the plant establishes its deep root system. Once established (by year two), Purple Three Awn needs almost no supplemental water - maximum one irrigation per month in summer, even during dry years. Don't over-water; this is a drought-adapted plant that rots in wet conditions. The #1 mistake is treating it like a typical ornamental grass and watering too often; resist the urge to coddle it, and you'll have a thriving, low-maintenance plant for decades.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California endemic alkali bee, habitat loss in alkali flats
Species of Special Concern in California
Wildlife Supported
Mammals
Primary seed consumer in Mojave and Sonoran grasslands; caches seeds
Year-round resident relying on small grass seeds as primary food source
Birds
Important seed resource for coveys in desert scrub and grassland habitats Sep-Mar
Critical winter forage and migration staging in California deserts and grasslands, Oct-Apr
Insects
Active pollen collection during grass flowering periods
Host plant for sap-feeding insects in arid grasslands