Species Old Field Threeawn Grass
white flowers with light-green foliage and stems

Old Field Threeawn Grass

Aristida oligantha

Old Field Threeawn Grass (Aristida oligantha) is a grass species native to North America. It is an annual grass with erect stems and thin leaves, covered in tiny barbed spikes. It produces small yellow-green spikelets during the summer and fall, and prefers open, sunny areas such as roadsides and old fields. This hardy species can withstand drought and weather extremes, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and roadside plantings. It is also appreciated for its showy seed heads, which can provide food and cover to wildlife.

Watering:

Minimal

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.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.