Canary grass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canary grass |
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| Rightmost illustration is Phalaris canariensis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phalaris
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| Species: |
canariensis
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Canary grass is a type of plant called Phalaris canariensis. It belongs to the Poaceae family, which includes many grasses. This plant first grew naturally around the Mediterranean region. Today, people grow it in many parts of the world. It is mainly grown to make bird food.
What Does Canary Grass Look Like?
Canary grass, or Phalaris canariensis, looks a bit like another grass called Phalaris arundinacea. That one is also known as reed canary grass. Both have flower heads that look like clusters, called panicles.
- Canary grass usually has tall, straight stems.
- These stems are smooth and can grow from about 0.6 to 1.8 meters (2 to 6 feet) tall.
- It has a clear, thin part at the base of its leaves called a ligule. This ligule is about 0.6 centimeters (1/4 inch) long.
- The leaves are long and get narrower towards the end.
- They are usually flat and can feel rough.
- The flower clusters are upright and can be from 7.5 to 40 centimeters (3 to 16 inches) long.
- The flowers grow in dense groups.
- They appear from May to mid-June or sometimes in August.
- At first, the flower clusters are green or slightly purple. Later, they turn a tan color.
What Are Canary Grass Seeds Used For?
The seeds of canary grass are shiny and brown.
- Most often, these seeds are used as bird food.
- They are often mixed with other seeds, like rapeseed, to make birdseed mixes.
- It's important to keep the seeds in a dry place. This helps protect them from pests.
- In factories, a type of flour made from these seeds is used. This flour helps in making fine cotton and silk fabrics.
People also use Phalaris canariensis as food in some places. This includes the Canary Islands, Italy, and North Africa. In parts of Mexico, like Valle de Bravo, street vendors sell it. They prepare it as a popular drink called atole.
The outer shells of the seeds, called hulls, contain tiny fibers. For a long time, these hulls were not good for humans to eat. However, in 2013, scientists announced a new type of canary grass. This new type has no hulls, or is "glabrous." This hull-less variety is a safe and healthy gluten-free food for people to eat.
See also
In Spanish: Phalaris canariensis para niños
