Hesperostipa comata
Hesperostipa comata | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Subfamily: | Pooideae |
Genus: | Hesperostipa |
Species: | H. comata
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Binomial name | |
Hesperostipa comata | |
Synonyms | |
Stipa comata |
Hesperostipa comata, commonly known as needle-and-thread grass, is a species of grass native to North America, especially the western third. It has a wide distribution spanning from northern Canada to Mexico.[1]
Description
Hesperostipa comata is a perennial
The seeds of this grass have hygroscopic extensions that bend with changes in humidity, enabling them to disperse over the ground.[1] Each seed has an awn that twists several turns when the seed is released. Increased moisture causes it to untwist, and, upon drying, to twist again, thus the seed is drilled into the ground.
Habitat
This is a grass of many habitat types, from grassland to pine forest. Young shoots provide a favored food source for
Cultural
This species was described by the explorers during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Needle and thread grass is the
This species is popular among children because of the seed's ability to be thrown and stick to clothing.
References
- ^ a b Zlatnik, Elena (1999). "Hesperostipa comata". Fire Effects Information System (FEIS). US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (USFS), Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory.
- OCLC 25708726.