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| ## slim tridens {#slim-tridens .Title-Header}                         |
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| *Tridens muticus* (Torr.) Nash                                        |
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| Plant Symbol = TRMU                                                   |
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*Contributed By: USDA NRCS National Plant Data*

*Center*

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# ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.667361111111111in" height="4.000694444444444in"}

###### Uses

Cattle and horses graze slim tridens. Rodents and birds eat the seeds.

## 

## Description

Grass Family (Poaceae). Slim tridens is a native, warm‑season, perennial
bunch grass. The height ranges from 8 to 12 inches. The leaf blade is
narrow, and rolled giving a needlelike appearance and sometimes sparsely
covered with fine hairs. The leaf sheath is shorter than the internodes
and usually covered with short hairs. The ligule is a ring of hairs. The
stems are erect, slender, and somewhat swollen at the base. The
seedheads are dense panicles, spikelets with 6‑ to 8‑flowered, and pale
purplish. The back of the palea is densely covered with hair.

*Distribution*: For current distribution, please consult the Plant
Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

# Management

Although this grass makes up 10 to 15 percent of the total production on
some sites, it is seldom considered a key management species because
associated grasses are more palatable. It is an increaser on cattle
ranges. Its abundance indicates fair to poor range condition.

# Establishment

It makes most of its growth in the late spring and the seedheads
generally appear 4 to 5 weeks later. The bunches are seldom more than 3
to 4 inches in diameter. It is adapted to well‑drained, rocky calcareous
soils.

## Cultivars, Improved and Selected Materials (and area of origin) 

Please contact your local NRCS Field Office.

## 

**Reference**

Leithead, H.L., L.L. Yarlett, & T.N. Shiflett. 1976. 100 native forage
grasses in 11 southern states. USDA SCS *Agriculture Handbook No. 389*,
Washington, DC.

## Prepared By & Species Coordinator:

*Percy Magee*, USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana

Edited: 13may02 ahv; jul03 ahv; 20sep05 jsp; 070116 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
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*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
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