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Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass

Aristida longespica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass (Aristida longespica)
Photo: (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar

Toxicity unknown

Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass (Aristida longespica) 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

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, DE and 27 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 437 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

Central Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Aristida longespica is a native bunch grass that forms compact clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate seed heads in summer and tolerates drought conditions well once established. This grass maintains a relatively neat appearance throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, street edge.

  • May appear dormant or brown in winter
  • Seed heads could be perceived as untidy by some HOAs

Wildlife value

The seed heads provide food for small birds and ground-feeding species. As a native grass, it supports various insects and contributes to local ecosystem health.

Common questions

How much sun does Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass need?
Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass bloom?
Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass native?
Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass (Aristida longespica) is native to AL, AR, AZ, DE and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass HOA-friendly?
Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass 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 Slim-Spike Three-Awn Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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