THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



PURPLE-TOP {Triodia fla<va) 

 Purple-top is a perennial growing to the height of 3 to 5 feet, with smooth, flat leaves. It is found in 

 dry fields from southern New York, the Ohio Valley and Missouri southward. It is a very showy grass with 

 large panicles of flowers which occur in 5- to 7-flowered spikelets. The glumes, or husks, are deep purple 

 and shining, and the feathery stigmas almost brown, standing out in strong contrast against the bright green 

 of the stem and foliage. 



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