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(Aristida glabrata)
Santa Rita Threeawn (Aristida glabrata)
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Abraham Sánchez Romero
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Abraham Sánchez Romero
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Abraham Sánchez Romero | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Occurence ID: https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/4982112111 | Publisher: Inaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for La Mesa, California
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 3" - 154" | 13" | Your precipitation may be too high for this plant. | Too high |
| • High Temp. | 81°F - 106°F | 86°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 27°F - 53°F | 45°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Aristida glabrata, commonly known as Santa Rita Threeawn, is a perennial grass that exhibits evergreen or semi-deciduous characteristics depending on environmental conditions. It is native to arid regions, including deserts, grasslands, and the chaparral and scrub ecosystems of the Southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico. This grass typically reaches a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 0.4-1 feet (0.1-0.3 meters), forming clumps of narrow, wiry leaves and delicate, purplish inflorescences that add texture to the landscape.
Santa Rita Threeawn is valued for its low water requirements and its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used for erosion control on slopes and in restoration projects where its deep roots stabilize the soil. The plant’s fine foliage and airy seed heads provide visual interest, particularly when backlit by the sun. It is best grown in well-drained soils and requires minimal maintenance once established. However, it can self-seed and may become invasive in some areas, so gardeners should monitor its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Santa Rita Threeawn is valued for its low water requirements and its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used for erosion control on slopes and in restoration projects where its deep roots stabilize the soil. The plant’s fine foliage and airy seed heads provide visual interest, particularly when backlit by the sun. It is best grown in well-drained soils and requires minimal maintenance once established. However, it can self-seed and may become invasive in some areas, so gardeners should monitor its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 0.4-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to arid regions, including deserts, grasslands, chaparral, and scrub ecosystems in the Southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Aristida californica var. glabrata, Aristida glabrata, Aristida californica var. major
GBIF Accepted Name: Aristida glabrata (Vasey) Hitchc.