A tall, graceful native perennial, this grass is prized for its shimmering, airy plumes that emerge in late summer. The flower heads are a deep, reddish-purple and possess a unique, slightly oily texture that catches the light, earning it the nickname "Greasy Grass." Purpletop is a bunch-forming grass that is exceptionally adaptable, making it a perfect choice for naturalized meadows, woodland edges, or as a textured backdrop in a sunny perennial bed.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Moderate; very drought-tolerant once settled.
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in poor, rocky, or sandy soils.
Mature Height 4 – 5 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time August – October
Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches
Color: When planted in groups, it puts a stunning reddish-purple top onto meadows and fields from late summer to early fall.
Tough as Nails: Highly resistant to heat, humidity, and performs exceptionally well in "lean" soil where other plants fail. It is tolerant of road salt so can frequently be found in ditches.
Butterfly Host: It serves as a vital larval host for several species of butterflies, including the Crossline Skipper, Common Wood Nymph, and the Little Glassywing.
Winter Forage: The seeds are highly nutritious and are a favorite for songbirds and upland game birds during the colder months.
Pro Tip: For the best visual impact, plant Purpletop Grass in sweeping drifts where its purple "haze" can be appreciated from a distance.
A tall, graceful native perennial, this grass is prized for its shimmering, airy plumes that emerge in late summer. The flower heads are a deep, reddish-purple and possess a unique, slightly oily texture that catches the light, earning it the nickname "Greasy Grass." Purpletop is a bunch-forming grass that is exceptionally adaptable, making it a perfect choice for naturalized meadows, woodland edges, or as a textured backdrop in a sunny perennial bed.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Moderate; very drought-tolerant once settled.
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in poor, rocky, or sandy soils.
Mature Height 4 – 5 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time August – October
Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches
Color: When planted in groups, it puts a stunning reddish-purple top onto meadows and fields from late summer to early fall.
Tough as Nails: Highly resistant to heat, humidity, and performs exceptionally well in "lean" soil where other plants fail. It is tolerant of road salt so can frequently be found in ditches.
Butterfly Host: It serves as a vital larval host for several species of butterflies, including the Crossline Skipper, Common Wood Nymph, and the Little Glassywing.
Winter Forage: The seeds are highly nutritious and are a favorite for songbirds and upland game birds during the colder months.
Pro Tip: For the best visual impact, plant Purpletop Grass in sweeping drifts where its purple "haze" can be appreciated from a distance.
