Achnatherum coronatum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Achnatherum coronatum |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Stipa
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| Species: |
coronata
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| Synonyms | |
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Achnatherum coronatum (Thurb.) Barkworth |
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Stipa coronata, also known as crested needlegrass, giant ricegrass, or giant stipa, is a type of tall, green grass. It used to be called Achnatherum coronatum.
Where Does Crested Needlegrass Grow?
This grass naturally grows in southern California and Baja California (a part of Mexico). You can find it on hills near the coast and further inland. It often grows in areas with chaparral (dense shrubs), oak forests, and yellow pine forests. It can grow from sea level all the way up to about 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) high. You'll see Stipa coronatum in mountain ranges like the Peninsular Ranges and Transverse Ranges, as well as the southern California Coast Ranges and the Channel Islands.
What Does Crested Needlegrass Look Like?
Stipa coronatum is a perennial grass, meaning it lives for more than two years. It grows in loose clumps that can reach up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) tall, though they are usually shorter. These clumps spread out using short underground stems called rhizomes.
The grass has a large flower cluster, called an inflorescence, which can be up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) long. This cluster holds many large spikelets, each up to 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) long. Each spikelet also has a long, bristle-like part called an awn, which can be up to 4.5 centimeters (about 1.8 inches) long. The awn has two clear bends or kinks in it.
See also
In Spanish: Stipa coronata para niños
