Purpletop Grass
Tridens flavus
Grass Coming Soon
Purpletop Grass is a Virginia native local-ecotype grass/sedge that typically reaches 3–7 ft and blooms in late summer and fall with purple panicles flowers. It offers valuable nectar and pollen, food or habitat for birds, and important larval-host relationships.
About This Plant
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil Moisture
- Dry, Medium
- Height
- 3–7 ft
- Spread
- 2–3 ft
- Bloom Time
- Fall, Late Summer
- Bloom Color
- Purple panicles
- Garden Goals
- Deer Resistant, Feed Birds, Help Native Bees, Host Caterpillars, Support Pollinators
- Garden Uses
- Meadow; erosion control; habitat garden; mass planting
- Wildlife Value
- Common Wood-Nymph; Zabulon, Crossline, Broad-winged and other skippers
Purpletop Grass grows best in full sun or part shade with dry or medium soil. At maturity, it is typically 3–7 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide. Its flowers, foliage, seeds, or fruit help support butterflies, native bees, and birds. Notable wildlife value includes: Common Wood-Nymph; Zabulon, Crossline, Broad-winged and other skippers. It is well suited to Meadow, erosion control, habitat garden, mass planting.
Good to know: Warm-season bunchgrass with deep fibrous roots.