Pappophorum bicolor

Pappophorum bicolor
Pappophorum bicolor[1]
Conservation status

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Chloridoideae
Genus: Pappophorum
Species: P. bicolor
Binomial name
Pappophorum bicolor
E.Fourn.

Pappophorum bicolor is a species of grass known by the common name pink pappusgrass.

Distribution

The plant is bunchgrass endemic to North America, where it occurs in Northeastern Mexico and in Texas (United States).[2] It is found in the Great Plains, other prairies, meadows, pastures, oak savannahs, and along roadsides.

Description

This perennial bunchgrass grows up to 1 m (3 ft.) tall. The leaves are up to 20 or 30 centimeters long.

The narrow panicle is somewhat pink to purple in color.[2] It blooms from April to November.

Uses

Pink pappusgrass is used for the revegetation of rangeland, seeding along roadways, and for native habitat restoration.[3] It is good for wildlife, and it provides a forage for livestock.

Cultivation

Pappophorum bicolor is cultivated as an ornamental grass, for use in traditional, native plant, and wildlife gardens. [4] [5] [6]

The grass may be attacked by the rice stink bug (Oebalus pugnax).[3]

References

  1. illustration circa 1950, probably by Agnes Chase, published in for Albert S. Hitchcock, Manual of the grasses of the United States. Ed. 2.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Grass Manual Treatment: Pappophorum bicolor.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Pappophorum bicolor. USDA NRCS Plant Fact Sheet.
  4. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Information Network−NPIN: Pappophorum bicolor
  5. Pappophorum bicolor. USDA NRCS Plant Guide.
  6. Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife; Damude, N. & K.C. Bender; Texas Parks and Wildlife Press; (1999) Austin, Texas; ISBN 1885696302 .

External links