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swamp pricklegrass
Scientific Name: Crypsis schoenoides
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Swamp Pricklegrass (Crypsis schoenoides)
Crypsis schoenoides, commonly known as swamp pricklegrass, swamp timothy, and cowpond grass, is a species of grass with a widespread distribution.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is referred to as "pricklegrass," which may imply a potentially prickly or uncomfortable texture.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is referred to as "pricklegrass," which may imply a potentially prickly or uncomfortable texture.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Crypsis schoenoides (L.) Lam.
- Common Names: Swamp pricklegrass, swamp timothy, cowpond grass, swamp picklegrass, rush-like timothy, pricklegrass, prickle grass.
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Synonym: Heleochloa schoenoides (L.) Host ex Roemer.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eurasia and Africa.
- Introduced in southwestern and parts of northeastern North America, including New England.
- Occurs in the western U.S. from Arizona to Idaho and along the Pacific Coast.
- Found in marshy shorelines and marshy flats.
Ecological Role
- Considered an exotic species in some regions, such as Orange County, California.
- Important moist-soil waterfowl food plant.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Annual grass with fibrous roots.
- Several- to many-stemmed at the base.
- Prostrate and matted or decumbent growth habit.
- Culms (stems) are 2-75 cm long, prostrate to erect, sometimes geniculate.
- Usually not branching above the base, but some plants can be profusely branched.
- Without irrigation, it assumes a typical prostrate growth form, but with irrigation, it assumes a vertical growth form.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Serves as a food source for waterfowl in moist-soil environments.
Further Information
- Information can be found at the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).
- Additional information available on Discover Life.
- Photographs available on CalPhotos.