Timber oatgrass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Timber oatgrass |
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|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Danthonia
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| Species: |
intermedia
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| Synonyms | |
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Danthonia canadensis |
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Danthonia intermedia is a type of grass known by common names like timber oatgrass or mountain wild-oat grass. This grass grows in clumps and stands tall. It is a perennial, meaning it grows back every year.
It is native to North America. You can find it across most of Canada. It also grows in the western United States, including California. This grass lives in many places. It grows on open plains, in forests, and in high mountain areas.
What is Timber Oatgrass?
This grass is a bunchgrass. This means it grows in a clump, like a small bush. It can reach about half a meter (about 20 inches) tall. Its leaves are short and mostly grow from the bottom of the plant.
How Does It Grow and Reproduce?
Each plant has a narrow cluster of flowers. This cluster is called an inflorescence. It can have up to ten small flower parts called spikelets. Each spikelet holds 3 to 6 tiny flowers, called florets.
The flowers of timber oatgrass are special. They are cleistogamous. This means they stay closed and pollinate themselves. They do not need pollen from other plants.
This grass can also reproduce in another way. It sometimes uses apomixis. This means it can make seeds without needing fertilization. Because it can reproduce easily on its own, this grass is very widespread. It can also grow well in many different climates.
Why is Timber Oatgrass Important?
Timber oatgrass is a good plant for grazing animals. It starts growing earlier in the spring than most other grasses. This means animals have food sooner.
It also handles heavy grazing well. This is because its new growth comes from the bottom of the plant. This part is called the basal meristem. If animals chew off the top, the grass can still grow back easily.
This grass is also a sign of a healthy ecosystem. When you see a lot of timber oatgrass, it often means the environment is stable. Scientists call this an indicator of ecological climax.
