About Aristida purpurea Nutt.
Aristida purpurea Nutt. is a perennial bunchgrass that grows erect to less than 1 meter (3 feet) in height. Its flower glumes often range in color from light brown to reddish-purple. Several varieties of this species exist, with overlapping geographical ranges. It is not considered good forage for grazing livestock, because its awns are sharp and the protein content of the grass is low. This grass is fairly widespread, found across the western two-thirds of the United States, across much of southern Canada, and in parts of northern Mexico. It is most abundant on the plains.
