SafePlants

Coelorachis cylindrica, Coelorachis rugosa, and Coelorachis tessellata

This page provides information about several species within the genus Coelorachis, including Coelorachis cylindrica, Coelorachis rugosa, and Coelorachis tessellata. These plants are commonly known as jointgrasses, with specific epithets referring to particular characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• As grasses, these species may be encountered by pets during outdoor activities.

Considerations for Children

• As grasses, these species may be encountered by children during outdoor activities.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Coelorachis cylindrica: Carolina Jointgrass, Carolina Joint Tail Grass, cylinder jointtail grass
• Coelorachis rugosa: Wrinkled Jointgrass, Wrinkled Joint-Tail Grass, wrinkled jointtail grass
• Coelorachis tessellata: Lattion Jointgrass, Lattice Joint Tail Grass

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Genus: Coelorachis
• Synonyms: For Coelorachis rugosa, the original name is indicated as (Nutt.) Nash, suggesting it was initially classified by Nuttall and later reclassified by Nash.

Distribution and Habitat

• Coelorachis rugosa has a natural range extending along the Eastern Seaboard to Texas.
• Its typical habitat includes wet pine woods and marshes.

Additional Grasses Mentioned

• Richardson's Rice Grass
• Common Silver-Hair Grass
• Mountain Fox-tail, Mountain Timothy
• Blue-joint-grass, Sand-grass, Red-top Canadian Small-Reed, Fowl Meadow-grass
• Floating fox-tail grass
• Johnson grass, Joint grass, Jovaree, June grass, Lentil, common Lespedeza
• Small-flowered Alexander Grass

Additional Information

Several other plants and health-related conditions involving joints are mentioned within the context of this document. Namely, mentions of Horsetail grass (Equisetum arvense) and its purported health benefits and its traditional uses may be noteworthy.