Purpletop

About Purpletop

Purpletop is a stunning warm-season grass that adds a touch of dramatic color and movement to the late summer landscape. As its name suggests, this native bunchgrass is famous for its airy, reddish-purple seed heads that appear in August and September, creating a hazy purple mist across the field. Reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet, the stems are often covered in a unique, oily substance that gives it the alternate name 'Grease Grass.' Native to open woods, fields, and roadsides across much of the eastern and central United States, it is a tough and reliable performer in dry, poor soils. It serves as an important host plant for several species of skipper butterflies and provides high-quality nesting material and cover for birds and small mammals. Purpletop thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established. Its beautiful fall color and persistent seed heads provide winter interest, making it an excellent choice for meadows, wildlife gardens, or as a textured backdrop in a perennial border.