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Status in Florida: Native

Native Habitat: Open woodlands, savannas, prairies, fields, roadsides. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.

Native State, Country: Eastern and central United States

Growing Zones: 5 - 9

Size at Maturity: 3 - 5 feet tall, 2 - 3 feet wide

Phenology: Herbaceous perennial, warm-season grass

Life Cycle: Perennial

Growth Rate: Moderate

Growth Habit: Clumping, upright, with gracefully arching flower stalks.

Bloom Season: Late summer to fall (August - October)

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade

Soil Texture: Adaptable, tolerates a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay.

Soil pH: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline

Moisture Requirements: Average to dry. Drought tolerant once established.

Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None

Keystone Plant: No, but provides valuable habitat.

Recommended Landscape Uses: Native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, prairies, restoration projects, ornamental grass gardens, erosion control.

Maintenance Tips: Little maintenance required. Can be cut back in late winter or early spring to remove old growth.

Considerations: Provides good cover and nesting material for wildlife. The airy seed heads add texture and movement to the landscape.

Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes

Erosion Control: Yes, its fibrous root system helps stabilize soil.

Nitrogen Fixing: No

Edible: No (but provides forage for livestock)

Pet Safe: Generally considered safe for pets.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance: High

Historical Medicinal Uses: No widely known uses.

Florida Native Companion Plant: Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem), Solidago odora (Sweet Goldenrod)

Wildlife Benefit: Provides seeds and cover for birds and small mammals. Host plant for various skipper butterflies.

Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, for several skipper butterfly species.

Propagation: Seed, division

Length of time Seed is Viable: 1-2 years

Best month to Start Seeds: Spring or fall

Seed treatments: No special treatment needed

Purple Top Grass, Tridens flavus

PriceFrom $10.00
Sales Tax Included |

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