Aristida rhizomophora Swallen, Florida threeawn 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, rhizomatous perennial. 
Height: 2 to 3 feet. 
Leaf blade: 1/16 inch wide; may be 18 inches long; dark 
green on upper side, lighter green on underside; character- 
istic spiral or twist. 
Leaf sheath: Smooth; rounded; open. 
Ligule : Absent or minute. 
Stem: Round; smooth; usually 1 to 3 nodes 2 to 4 inches 
above ground. 
Seedhead: Slender panicle 7 to 14 inches long; awns about 
1/2 inch long of equal length. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in late January or February. Leaf blades are 
maximum length by May. On burned areas, plants produce seed- 
stalks in May and again in September; on unburned areas, only 
once in August or September. Reproduces largely from well-de- 
veloped, scaly rhizomes. Forms a dense sod. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Primarily east of central ridge of Florida and north of Lake 
Okeechobee to Georgia line. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Adapted to poorly drained deep sandy soils that are strongly to 
slightly acid. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Florida threeawn is grazed by livestock from early spring until 
May or June. Palatability decreases sharply after May. It can be 
used for winter grazing following a spring burn but a pro- 
tein supplement should be fed. 
This grass withstands burning every 2 years in January if 
ground is wet and grazing is deferred until mid-March. After 
March it should be grazed moderately until June. 
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