Species Slim-Spike Threeawn Grass
beige stem with beige-brown hairs

Slim-Spike Threeawn Grass

Aristida longespica

Slim-spike Threeawn Grass is a native perennial plant species renowned for its ability to live in semi-arid and dry climates. Growing between 4-24 inches tall, it is easily identified by its spike-like golden or yellowish-green stems and narrow leaves. Its flowers are small, forming in clusters that spiral in a single direction. Together, these forming small and tight flower heads at the top. Growing on grassland, pastures, and in disturbed sites, it offers livestock grazing and is a great ornamental flower in any setting.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Vegetative Plugging,Sprigging

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

This species of grass should be watered lightly about twice per week as a rule. It should be watered more or less frequently depending on the season and conditions. In summer, Slim-Spike Threeawn Grass should be provided with up to an inch of water per week. During times of drought it should be watered about every other week. In the winter months, supplemental watering is not needed as the plant is dormant during this period.

sunlight

Aristida longespica, or Slim-Spike Threeawn, is a grass species that grows best in full sunlight and typically fares best when exposed to around 8–10 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant is most active during the spring and summer months, when it will require extra amounts of sunlight in order to achieve maximum growing potential. During the winter and fall months, Slim-Spike Threeawn Grass may require less sunlight — likely no more than 6 to 8 hours daily.

pruning

Slim-Spike Threeawn Grass should be pruned once every 3 to 4 weeks during the spring and summer. When pruning, the grass should be cut back no more than ⅓ of its total shoots in order to maintain a healthy balance. Going too far in either direction (over-pruning or under-pruning) can be detrimental to the plant or even cause it to die.