Aristida californica, commonly known as California Threeawn, is a perennial grass that can behave as an evergreen in milder climates or deciduous in areas with colder winters. It is native to arid deserts and open grasslands in the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico. This grass typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1 foot (0.3 meters). It has a fine texture with narrow leaves and distinctive three-pronged awns at the tips of its seeds, which can catch the light and add visual interest to the landscape.

California Threeawn is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is often used in restoration projects, as it stabilizes soil and provides habitat for wildlife. In garden settings, it can serve as an accent plant or be massed for a meadow-like effect. While it prefers full sun and low water once established, it can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Gardeners should be aware that the sharp awns can be a nuisance if the grass is planted along pathways or in areas with foot traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0