Pacific reedgrass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pacific reedgrass |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calamagrostis
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| Species: |
nutkaensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Deyeuxia nutkaensis |
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Calamagrostis nutkaensis, also known as Pacific reedgrass or Nootka reedgrass, is a type of grass. It grows naturally along the western coast of North America. This includes areas from Alaska all the way down to central California. You can often find it in damp places like beaches and wetlands.
Pacific Reedgrass: A Coastal Plant
Pacific reedgrass is a perennial bunchgrass. This means it lives for more than two years. It also grows in thick clumps or tufts. These tufts can have many stems that stand tall.
What Does Pacific Reedgrass Look Like?
The stems of Pacific reedgrass can grow quite tall. They often reach over a meter in height. The plant has several flat leaves. Each leaf can be up to one centimeter wide. The flowers of the grass grow in a cluster. This cluster is called an inflorescence. It usually looks narrow and thin.
Where Does Pacific Reedgrass Grow?
This grass is native to western North America. Its natural home stretches from Alaska to central California. It mainly lives near the coast. You can find it in moist areas. These include beaches and wetlands.
For example, along coastal roadsides in Mendocino County, California, you might see many of these plants. They often grow under Eucalyptus trees. These plants get extra water from "fog drip." This is when fog collects on leaves and drips down.
