Koeleria macrantha

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Koeleria macrantha
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Pooideae
Genus: Koeleria
Species: K. macrantha
Binomial name
Koeleria macrantha
(Ledeb.) Schult.
Synonyms[citation needed]
  • Koeleria albescens
  • Koeleria cristata
  • Koeleria gracilis
  • Koeleria nitida
  • Koeleria yukonensis

Koeleria macrantha is a species of grass known by the common name prairie Junegrass. In the UK it is known as crested hair-grass. It is native to much of North America, from Alaska to California, from northern Mexico to the Eastern United States.[1][2] It occurs in a large number of habitat types, especially prairie.

Description

Koeleria macrantha is a short, tuft-forming perennial bunchgrass, reaching heights from 20–70 centimetres (7.9–27.6 in). The leaves are basal and up to about 20 centimeters long. The inflorescence is nearly cylindrical and may taper somewhat toward the tip. It holds shiny tan spikelets which are sometimes tinted with purple, each about half a centimeter long.

It is a good forage for many types of grazing animals. It is classified as a severe allergen in humans with grass allergy.[3]

Gardens

Koeleria is used as an exceptionally low-maintenance lawn and turf grass. It is not suitable for high-traffic use due to its slow growth rate. It is often used for golf course roughs.[4]

References

  1. ↑ A PLANTS profile of Koeleria macrantha (prairie Junegrass) from the USDA PLANTS database, retrieved May 17, 2010 
  2. ↑ North American distribution map from USDA 
  3. ↑ Koeleria macrantha Research Information. 
  4. ↑ Eric Liskey. "Where is turf going?". Retrieved May 17, 2010. 

External links


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