Aira

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This page is about the grass genus. Aira is also the name of a fictional character; see List of angels in Enochian

iAira
Aira caryophyllea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Poales Family: Poaceae Genus: Aira L.
Species
About 10 species, including: Aira alpina Aira caryophyllea - Silver Hair-grass Aira cupaniana Aira elegantissima Aira praecox - Early Hair-grass Aira provincialis Aira tenorei

Aira is a genus of about 10 species of annual grasses, native to western and southern Europe, southwest Asia and Africa.

The common name, shared with the similar related genera Deschampsia and Koeleria, is Hair-grass, from the very slender leaves and stems.

The species typically occur on dry, sandy sites, and grow to 20-40 cm tall.

[edit] Uses

Several species are grown as ornamental plants for their very delicate airy seed heads, used in dried flower arrangements.