Nassella leucotricha

Nassella leucotricha
Conservation status

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Nassella
Species: N. leucotricha
Binomial name
Nassella leucotricha
(Trin. & Rupr.) Pohl

Nassella leucotricha is a species of grass known by the common names Texas wintergrass, Texas needlegrass, and Texas tussockgrass. It is native to the southern United States and northern Mexico.[1]

Description

Nassella leucotricha is species is a perennial bunchgrass with stems up to 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) tall. There are two types of flowers, opening flowers and cleistogamous flowers that self-pollinate and are sometimes tucked away in the leaf sheaths.

The fruit has a sharp tip and a twisted awn up to 9 centimeters long.[1][2] This fruit can damage the mouths of livestock and can get caught in wool and eyes.[1]

The grass provides a good forage for animals when it is green, but the animals should be removed from the area as the seeds develop on the plants and replaced when the seeds fall to the ground.[2]

This grass is known as a weed outside its native region. In Australia it is an invasive species that is injurious to livestock.[3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Nassella leucotricha. Grass Manual Treatment.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Nassella leucotricha. USDA NRCS Plant Fact Sheet.
  3. Nassella leucotricha. Government of South Australia.

External links