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Purple Sandgrass

Triplasis purpurea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Purple Sandgrass (Triplasis purpurea)
Photo: (c) Ryan Donnelly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ryan Donnelly

Toxicity unknown

Purple Sandgrass (Triplasis purpurea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CO, CT and 34 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Purple sandgrass is a compact native bunch grass that forms neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate purple-tinged seed heads in summer and fall, adding subtle color and movement to the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Purple Sandgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This grass provides seeds for birds and serves as habitat for beneficial insects. The fine foliage offers nesting material and shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Purple Sandgrass need?
Purple Sandgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Purple Sandgrass bloom?
Purple Sandgrass blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Purple Sandgrass native?
Purple Sandgrass (Triplasis purpurea) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 34 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Purple Sandgrass HOA-friendly?
Purple Sandgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Purple Sandgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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