Purple Three-awn is a wiry bunchgrass of dry plains and desert grasslands, named for the three distinctive bristle-like awns on each seed. The purple-tinged seed heads shimmer in the wind across the arid Southwest. It is an important component of Chihuahuan and Sonoran Desert grasslands and provides cover and seeds for many birds.
Best time to see a Purple Three-awn
The best time to see a Purple Three-awn is April–June, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,618 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Purple Three-awn? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Purple Three-awn sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Purple Three-awn? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Purple Three-awn is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.