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| ## White tridens {#white-tridens .Title-Header}                       |
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| *Tridens albescens* (Vasey) Woot. & Standl.                           |
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| Plant Symbol = TRAL2                                                  |
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*Contributed By: USDA NRCS National Plant Data*

*Center*

# ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.792361111111111in" height="4.175in"}

# 

## Uses

Cattle and horses graze white tridens. Birds eat the large seed.

## 

## Description

Grass Family (Poaceae). White tridens is a native, warm‑season,
perennial bunch grass. The height ranges from 1 to 3 feet. The leaf
blade is long, narrow, and rolls inward when drying. The leaf sheath is
a rounded, open, and basal sheath shorter than the internodes. The
ligule is a row of hairs. The stem is swollen at the base and white to
purple. The seedhead is a dense panicle that is distinctly green to
purple before maturity.

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

# Management

Because this grass never makes up a large percentage of the plant
composition, it is seldom a key management species. It is generally less
palatable than associated grasses; therefore, requires no special
management. White tridens increases on most sites. Its abundance
indicates fair range condition.

# Establishment

Growth starts in late spring and the seedheads start to form about 5 to
6 weeks later. The seeds are fairly large and the plants often have a
sour odor. It grows best along drainageways and sites that overflow
occasionally. It is best adapted to sandy to sandy loam soils, but grows
on clay soils if moisture is adequate.

## 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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