Redtop, Greasy Grass
Tridens flavus is a tall, warm season bunchgrass. While the leaves might not grow longer than 2 1/2', the culms can easily grow to a height of 6' or more, and when planted in mass its purple spikelets will create a floating purplish haze.
Purpletop tridens is easy to grow. It prefers full sun, but is not particular about soil. It is adapted to moist to dry, well-drained soils that can be shallow, rocky, sandy, or sterile. It is also salt tolerant, which makes it a common sight along roadsides that are heavily treated during winter. The blooming period begins in mid-summer and lasts 1 to 2 weeks, with the ensuing spikelets persisting through late fall.
This is a very attractive tall grass. It is also attractive to browsing mammals, however, its ability to self-seed makes it easy to establish permanent colonies. [izelplants.com]
Larval Host for the
4-6'
SIZE
SOIL
Dry, Moist
LIGHT
Sun, Part Shade
BENEFITS
Butterflies, Birds, Small Mammals
NOTES
Plant en masse for a striking effect in late summer and early fall.
CHARACTERISTICS
Will Naturalize, Drought Tolerant, Fall Color, Salt Tolerant, Cover for Wildlife
July, August, September
Grass
This
flowers in
Purpletop Tridens
Tridens flavus
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Tridens flavus is a tall, warm season bunchgrass. While the leaves might not grow longer than 2 1/2', the culms can easily grow to a height of 6' or more, and when planted in mass its purple spikelets will create a floating purplish haze.
Purpletop tridens is easy to grow. It prefers full sun, but is not particular about soil. It is adapted to moist to dry, well-drained soils that can be shallow, rocky, sandy, or sterile. It is also salt tolerant, which makes it a common sight along roadsides that are heavily treated during winter. The blooming period begins in mid-summer and lasts 1 to 2 weeks, with the ensuing spikelets persisting through late fall.
This is a very attractive tall grass. It is also attractive to browsing mammals, however, its ability to self-seed makes it easy to establish permanent colonies. [izelplants.com]