Aristida basiramea

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Aristida basiramea
Illustration of A. basiramea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Aristida
Species:
A. basiramea
Binomial name
Aristida basiramea
Engelm.

Aristida basiramea, the forked three-awn, is a species of grass in the family

specific epithet
basiramea means "branching from base".

Description

Aristida basiramea is an annual grass and freely branches from the base, reaching 2–6 dm (7.9–23.6 in) in height. The wiry

lemma, excluding the awns, is approximately 1 cm (0.39 in) long. The delicate lateral awns are 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) in length and can be erect or spreading. The middle awn is much longer and stouter, being 1–1.5 cm (0.39–0.59 in) long, and loosely spirals when dry.[2] The spikelets are light brown when mature. The seeds are chestnut brown and 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) long.[3]

The grass flowers from August to October.[4]

Habitat and distribution

Aristida basiramea is endemic to North America, particularly the midwest, though outliers in distribution include as far south as Texas and as far east as Maine. The grass is rare in Canada, only found in southern Ontario and Quebec. The grass is not found any farther north than the upper peninsula of Michigan.

The species grows in weedy conditions such as roadsides or pastures and will often grow in pine barrens. In Canada the grass can be found occasionally in open and dry sand ridges or dunes. It prefers dry or sandy soil and warm climates, though it is the hardiest member of its genus.[1]

Ecology

Despite being a poor forage grass as well as being harmful to grazing animals due to its calli, Aristida basiramea is an important source of forage in springtime, especially in its western distribution. Small mammals and quail will eat the hardy seeds.[5]

Conservation

In Canada, Aristida basiramea is threatened by the decline and fragmentation of its sandy habitat. Prevention of fire in particular endangers the habitat of the species, as fire no longer maintains natural

spotted knapweed, and the white sweet clover are all invasive species which threaten the grass.[1]

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 0-662-34217-8
    .
  2. ISBN 0-442-22250-5
    .
  3. ^ "Aristida basiramea (Forked Three-awn)". Minnesota Wildflowers. 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  4. ISBN 9780809323609
    .
  5. ^ K. W. Allred (2001). Draft of the Section on Aristida for the Flora of North America. pp. 1–16.
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