Purpletop tridens

Description

Tridens flavus,the purpletop tridens,red top,or greasegrass,is a large,robust perennial bunchgrass native to eastern North America.It widespread throughout its range and is most often found in man-made habitats,such as hay meadows and lawns.The seeds are purple,giving the grass its common name.The seeds are also oily,leading to its other common name,"greasegrass".It reproduces by seed and tillers.The grass is often confused with the similar looking Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense),although it is only distantly related.Tridens flavus is easily distinguished by its short,hairy ligule.