How much sun does Purple Silkyscale need?

Purple Silkyscale grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Purple Silkyscale bloom?

Purple Silkyscale blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Purple Silkyscale native?

Purple Silkyscale (Anthaenantia rufa) is native to NC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Purple Silkyscale attract?

Purple Silkyscale draws bees and beetles.

Is Purple Silkyscale HOA-friendly?

Purple Silkyscale is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Purple Silkyscale

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Anthaenantia rufa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Purple Silkyscale (Anthaenantia rufa) 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

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Purple silkyscale is a compact native bunch grass that forms neat clumps in sunny locations. It produces delicate flower heads from summer through early fall and tolerates average garden conditions well.

In an HOA neighborhood

Purple Silkyscale is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

May appear too informal for conservative front yards
Flowering heads could be perceived as weedy by some

Wildlife value

This grass attracts bees and beetles during its extended bloom period from June through September. As a native grass, it also provides habitat and nesting material for various small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Purple Silkyscale need?: Purple Silkyscale grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Purple Silkyscale bloom?: Purple Silkyscale blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Purple Silkyscale native?: Purple Silkyscale (Anthaenantia rufa) is native to NC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Purple Silkyscale attract?: Purple Silkyscale draws bees and beetles.
Is Purple Silkyscale HOA-friendly?: Purple Silkyscale is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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