Richardson's needlegrass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richardson's needlegrass |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Achnatherum
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| Species: |
richardsonii
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| Synonyms | |
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Stipa richardsonii |
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Achnatherum richardsonii is a type of grass often called Richardson's needlegrass. You might also hear it called spreading needlegrass or Canada mountain-ricegrass. This grass grows naturally in northwestern North America. It can be found from Alaska and Yukon down through western Canada to Colorado.
Contents
What is Richardson's Needlegrass?
This grass is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It grows in clumps, forming a "tuft" or "bunch." It can reach about one meter (about 3 feet) tall. The flowers grow in an open, spreading cluster called an inflorescence. Each tiny flower part, called a spikelet, has a long, twisted bristle. This bristle is called an awn and can be up to 2.5 centimeters long.
Where Does it Grow?
Richardson's needlegrass can be found in many different places. It grows in open grasslands and green meadows. You can also spot it in pine forests. It likes to grow on moraines (piles of rock left by glaciers), wide plains, and mountain slopes.
Important in its Habitat
In some areas, this grass is very important. It can be the main type of grass, or one of the main types. For example, it's a key plant in the grasslands of western Canada. It's also found in the mature plant communities of Glacier National Park.
Plant Neighbors
Many other plants grow near Richardson's needlegrass. Some common plant neighbors include:
- Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa)
- Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria cristata)
- Rough fescue (Festuca altaica)
- Idaho fescue (F. idahoensis)
- Bearded wheatgrass (Elymus caninus)
- Western needlegrass (Achnatherum occidentalis)
- Timber danthonia (Danthonia intermedia)
- Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
- Sedges (Carex species)
- Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- Timothy (Phleum pratense)
- Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Prairiesmoke avens (Geum triflorum)
- Northern bedstraw (Galium boreale)
- Hood's phlox (Phlox hoodii)
- Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
Food for Animals
This grass is a common food source for many animals. Livestock like cows and horses eat it. Wild animals such as elk and bighorn sheep also graze on it. They especially like to eat it when the grass is young. As the grass gets older, its seeds become hard and sharp, making them less appealing to eat.
