SafePlants

Crypsis vaginiflora - Modest Prickle Grass

Crypsis vaginiflora, commonly known as Modest Prickle Grass or African Pricklegrass, is an annual graminoid (grass-like) plant.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is commonly referred to as "prickle grass."
• The name "prickle grass" suggests the possibility of sharp or irritating parts.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is commonly referred to as "prickle grass."
• The name "prickle grass" suggests the possibility of sharp or irritating parts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Crypsis vaginiflora (Forssk.) Opiz
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Crypsis compacta Steud.
  • Crypsis niliaca Fig. &amp De Not.
  • Crypsis niliacea Fig.

Common Names

• Modest Prickle Grass
• African Pricklegrass
• African Prickle Grass

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is considered exotic in the L48 region of the United States.
• It is often found in riparian habitats (areas along rivers and streams).
• Observed in Searsville Lake&#8211Corte Madera Cr Delta.

Morphological Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Annual, fibrous-rooted.
• Stems: Several to many-stemmed at the base, repeatedly branched throughout.
• Habit: Prostrate (lying flat on the ground) and generally spreading.
• Petals: Lacking petals.
• Leaf Form: Simple.
• Leaf Margin: Entire (smooth edge).
• Habit: Grass or Grasslike.

Additional Resources

• USDA PLANTS Database: National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
• Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Crypsis vaginiflora.
• Grass Manual on the Web: Manual of Grasses for North America North of Mexico.