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hairgrass

Scientific Name: Aira

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dwarf Hairgrass: A Versatile Aquarium Carpet

Dwarf Hairgrass is a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts looking to create a lush, carpeted effect on the bottom of their tanks. This versatile plant is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the plant being used in aquariums, indicating its suitability for aquatic environments where fish and other aquatic pets reside.

Scientific and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Eleocharis parvula, Eleocharis acicularis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Deschampsia antarctica, Deschampsia mackenzieana, Agrostis scabra, Aira caryophyllea
  • Common Names: Dwarf Hairgrass, Hair Grass, Tufted Hairgrass, Wavy Hair-grass, Rough Bent Grass, Winter Bent Grass, Ticklegrass, Silver Hairgrass

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • The text references multiple species and genera, highlighting the diversity of plants referred to as "hairgrass."

Distribution and Habitat

  • Eleocharis acicularis is native to North America.
  • Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hairgrass) is found in Utah's mountains and meadows at elevations from 5,000 to 10,000 feet. It's also found in alpine meadows of the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado.
  • Deschampsia flexuosa (Wavy Hair-grass) avoids chalk and limestone areas.
  • Deschampsia antarctica is one of only two flowering plant species living below latitudes of 60 degrees.
  • Deschampsia mackenzieana is found in the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis) is a low-growing plant that forms runners close to the parent plant, creating a dense carpet under optimal conditions.
  • It has long, light green, grass-like leaves.
  • Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) is a clump-forming grass that typically forms a low tussock.
  • Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) has wavy stems and fine, hair-like leaves.

Ecological Role

  • Tufted Hairgrass is used in mine tailings reclamation.

Quirky Facts

  • Tufted hair-grass was once used to form the roof of one of the oldest thatched cottages in England.

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hairgrass).
  • USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center contributes plant fact sheets.