FNPS Plant Database
Tridens flavus
Nomenclature
Common Name:
Synonym(s):
Genus species:
Family:
Poaceae
Plant Specifics
Form:
Size:
Life Span:
Long-lived perennial
Flower Color:
Fruit Color:
Phenology:
Noted For:
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Considerations:
Availability:
Propagation:
Light:
Moisture Tolerance:
Always Flooded---------------------------------Extremely Dry
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Somewhat moist, no flooding -to- Not wet but not extremely dry
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:
Unknown
Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:
Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.
Soil or Other Substrate:
Soil pH:
Suitable to Grow In:
USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Ecology
Wildlife:
Butterflies, moths
Turkey and quail eat the seed. Provides cover for small ground-dwelling animals.
Native Habitats:
Natural Range in Florida:
Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants
Comments:
Ethnobotany:
General Comments:
Citations:
Apfelbaum, S., B. Baker, F. Faessler, and D. Mahler. 2005. Obtaining and processing seeds. In: The tallgrass restoration handbook for prairies, savannas, and woodlands. Eds. S. Packard and C. Mutel, pgs. 99-126. Science and Practice of Ecological Restoration Series edition. Island Press. Washington
D.C. Barbour, J. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.) Tridens flavus seeds. USDA FS National Seed Laboratory Dry Branch, GA. In: Native Plant Network. URL: http://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2021/3/10).
US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
Boggess, N. and B. Baker. 1983. Edaphic requirements and characteristics of purpletop. Agron. J. (75): pgs.53-56.
Grabowski, Janet. 2001. Propagation protocol for production of propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.) Tridens flavus (L.) A.S. Hitche. plants. USDA NRCS US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
Harmond, J., J. Smith, and J. Park. 1961. Harvesting the seeds of grasses and legumes. In: The yearbook of agriculture 1961. Seeds. Pgs 181-188. United States Department of Agriculture. US Government Printing Office. Washington, DC.
Illinois Wildflowers. 2021. Tridens flavus cupreus. Accessed online: https://illinoiswildflowers/info/grasses/plants/purpletop.htm
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. 2021. Tridens flavus – plant database. Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Austin, TX. Accessed online: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TRFL2
Linex, R. 2014. Range plants of north central Texas-a landuser’s guide to their identification, value, and management. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Loflin B. and S. Loflin. 2012. Grasses of the Texas hill country-a field guide. Texas A&M University Press. College Station, TX.
Miller, J. and K. Miller. 2005. Forest plants of the southeast and their wildlife uses. Revised ed. The University of Georgia Press. Athens, GA.
NC State Extension. 2021. Tridens flavus. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. North Carolina State Extension. Raleigh, NC.
USDA NRCS Brooksville Plant Materials Center. 1997. Development of seed sources and establishment methods for native upland reclamation. USDA NRCS Brooksville Plant Materials Center. Brooksville, FL.
Pfaff, S., M. Gonter, and C. Maura. 2002. Florida native seed production manual. USDA NRCS Brooksville Plant Materials Center. Brooksville, FL
