+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## pineland threeawn {#pineland-threeawn .Title-Header}               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| *Aristida stricta* Michx.                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Plant Symbol = ARST5                                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

*Contributed By: USDA NRCS National Plant Data*

*Center*

# 

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.9180555555555556in"
height="4.363194444444445in"}

# Warning: This species may be mechanically injurious to livestock.

## 

## Alternate Names

wiregrass

## Uses 

Cattle graze pineland threeawn in early spring. Spring growth becomes
wiry and unpalatable during May and June.

# 

## Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status, such as, state noxious status
and wetland indicator values.

## Description

Grass Family (Poaceae). Pineland threeawn is a cool‑season, perennial
bunch grass native to the U.S. The height is between 1‑1/2 and 2‑1/2
feet. The leaf blade is mostly basal; 12 to 20 inches long; narrow;
rolled inward; wiry; and hairy on upper side at base. The ligule is
hairy. The seedhead is a slender panicle 10 to 12 inches long; glumes
have 3 awns about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, one a little longer than other
two.

# 

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

## Management

This grass increases slowly on areas burned annually and grazed all
year. It decreases on areas grazed heavily in early spring and on which
grazing is deferred during summer and early fall. Double chopping with
heavy rolling cutters in early spring easily reduces it.

## Establishment

Pineland threeawn growth starts in January in south Florida and in early
March in Georgia and is rapid. The leaf blades usually grow 6 to 8
inches in 4 weeks and the seedheads appear during May and June. Pineland
threeawn is a poor seed producer and a low forage producer. It tolerates
shade. Occasionally short, thin rhizomes develop on plants that have
been burned repeatedly. It grows on well‑drained sands over finer
textured subsoil and on sands covered with shallow water for part of the
year. It does well on moderate to well‑drained strongly acid 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: 25june02 ahv; jul03 ahv; 20sep05 jsp; 070112 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/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*