Grass
Wiregrass
Aristida stricta
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardAristida stricta
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$7.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size1-3 feet × 1-3 feet
About Wiregrass
Wiregrass (Aristida stricta) is the iconic native bunchgrass of NE Florida's longleaf pine flatwoods and sandhills, forming dense clumps of fine, wiry foliage and flowering in fall following fire. A keystone species in Florida's fire-maintained upland ecosystems, it is essential for biodiversity and habitat restoration in zone 9b landscapes. Starting at $7.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Growth slows as temperatures cool.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Wiregrass thrives in full sun to part sun and is adapted to the open canopy of longleaf pine flatwoods; it requires at least 4–6 hours of direct light daily and declines under heavy shade.
Water
Once established, wiregrass is highly drought tolerant and requires no supplemental irrigation in NE Florida's natural rainfall; avoid overwatering or waterlogged conditions, which can cause root decline in this fire-adapted species.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant wiregrass in infertile, sandy, well-drained, acidic soil — the lean conditions of Florida's native sandhill and flatwoods habitats. Do not fertilize; rich or amended soils favor weedy competitors and degrade its natural character. Controlled burns every 2–5 years promote flowering and long-term health.
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Common questions
Is Wiregrass a good plant for St. Augustine?
Wiregrass is a grass for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-3 feet × 1-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.