Lower sheaths longer than the internodes, usually glabrous, or occasionally with appressed-pilose hairs; blades 1-3 mm wide, often curling. Glumes unequal; lower glumes 6-10 mm, usually longer than the upper glumes; upper glumes 5-8 mm; awns 15-25 mm, of equal thickness, straight or only slightly contorted, divergent.

Aristida purpurascens var. purpurascens grows in waste places, glades, fields, and pine savannahs in sandy or clay soils. Its range extends into northern Mexico.

From Flora of Indiana (1940) by Charles C. Deam

Infrequent in very dry sand in the northwestern part of the state and in a similar habitat in Knox County. Its habitat is found in contiguous counties, and doubtless its range will be extended.

Indiana Coefficient of Conservatism: C = 7

Wetland Indicator Status: FACU