Aristida virgata, commonly known as Threeawn or Wiregrass, is a perennial evergreen grass native to the Southeastern United States, particularly thriving in pine flatwoods, coastal uplands, and sandhills. It is adapted to a fire-prone environment, often regenerating quickly after burns. This grass typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). Its form is upright with fine-textured foliage, and it produces brown, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, followed by distinctive three-parted seed awns that can catch in fur or clothing.

Threeawn is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and restoration projects. It is also used to prevent soil erosion and as an ornamental grass in naturalistic landscapes. In cultivation, it requires full sun and is very adaptable to different soil types, preferring medium- to fast-draining sandy or loam soils. While generally disease-free, it can be outcompeted by more aggressive species in fertile soils.CC BY-SA 4.0