Old-Field Three-Awn
Aristida oligantha
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Prairie Three-awn is a native annual grass that forms small, upright clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces distinctive three-pronged seed heads from summer through fall and requires minimal water once established. This grass thrives in poor, sandy soils where other plants struggle.
In an HOA neighborhood
Old-Field Three-Awn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
- Seed heads can appear weedy or unkempt
- Fine texture may look sparse compared to traditional grasses
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for native birds and small mammals. As a native grass, it supports various insects and contributes to local ecosystem health.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Old-Field Three-Awn fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.