Species PlantsPurpletop

Purpletop

Tridens flavus

CommonPlant
Illustration of Purpletop (Tridens flavus)

Purpletop is a tall grass with striking purple seed heads that add color to late summer landscapes. It is a warm-season grass that thrives in a variety of soil types. This grass is often used in prairie restorations and as a decorative element in gardens.

Habitat
Grows in open fields, roadsides, and prairies.
Diet
Its seeds are a food source for birds, and it provides cover for small mammals.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Purpletop

The best time to see a Purpletop is August–October, when about 72% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,683 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Purpletop? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Purpletop sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Purpletop? 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 Huck

Get an alert when a Purpletop 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.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Pussy Willow
Pussy Willow
Salix discolor
Puttyroot Orchid
Puttyroot Orchid
Aplectrum hyemale
Quackgrass
Quackgrass
Elymus repens
Quaking Aspen
Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides
Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne's Lace
Daucus carota
Queen of the Prairie
Queen of the Prairie
Filipendula rubra
Queen's Cup
Queen's Cup
Clintonia uniflora
Queen's Delight
Queen's Delight
Stillingia sylvatica