Koeleria macrantha
prairie Junegrass crested hair-grass | |
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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[1] | |
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Koeleria macrantha is a species of grass known by the common name prairie Junegrass in the USA and crested hair-grass in the UK. It is widespread across much of Eurasia and North America.[1][2][3] 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.[4]
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.[5]
References
- 1 2 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ↑ A PLANTS profile of Koeleria macrantha (prairie Junegrass) from the USDA PLANTS database, retrieved May 17, 2010
- ↑ North American distribution map from USDA
- ↑ Koeleria macrantha Research Information.
- ↑ Eric Liskey. "Where is turf going?". Retrieved May 17, 2010.
External links
- Jepson Manual Treatment - Koeleria macrantha
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Profile: Koeleria macrantha
- United States Department of Agriculture, National Forest Service, Fire Effects Information System Koeleria macrantha
- Calphoto, University of California, Koeleria macrantha - Photo gallery