Species Three Awn
beige stem with beige-brown hairs

Three Awn

Aristida longespica var. longespica

Also Known As - Slimspike Three Awn Grass
Three Awn is a perennial grass species native to eastern regions of North America. It is recognizable by its deep-green blades with three notched awns and a thin, white midrib. It prefers dry, sandy soils, but will tolerate a wide range of conditions from sandy, rocky, and disturbed soils to shallow, wet soils. Its drought tolerance and strong root system make it an excellent choice for groundcover and erosion prevention. Three Awn is also perfect for attracting wildlife, providing excellent food, cover, and habitat. Despite its aggressive habit, it can be controlled with mowing or herbicide treatments, making it a great choice for commercial and residential landscaping.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Three Awn should be watered 2 to 3 times a week with approximately 1 to 1 and a half inches of water (2.5 – 3.8 cm). It's best to water in the morning and avoid getting its foliage wet. Too much water can cause root rot. It's important to not let the soil dry out completely in between waterings.

sunlight

Three Awn thrives in full sunlight and needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best lighting conditions for this plant species would be an area where it gets direct sunlight in the morning and early afternoon. This species does not tolerate shade very well, so it should never be placed in a location that is overly shaded or not receiving adequate sun exposure. In winter, Three Awn should be kept in a location where it can receive a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.

pruning

Three Awn should be pruned annually or as needed to keep its form and size in check.Prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove all yellow or dead foliage, then thin out the shrub to promote new growth. Be aware that new shoots may grow after pruning, and these can be pruned as needed in the winter or early spring. Additionally, you may remove any stems that are older or don’t fit with the shape of the plant. Finally, lightly trim your plant yearly to help promote flowering.