SafePlants

Summer Grass

Summer Grass is a common name used to refer to various grass species, often in the context of lawns, gardens, and agricultural settings. The term appears in various contexts, from bluegrass festivals to artificial turf products.

Considerations for Pets

• Summer grass, specifically *Digitaria sanguinalis*, is mentioned as a common weed. Weeds in lawns and gardens may be treated with herbicides or pesticides, which could pose a risk to pets if ingested.

Considerations for Children

• As a common weed, Summer Grass may be present in areas where children play. It's important to ensure that any weed control measures used around Summer Grass are safe for children.

Scientific Name and Nomenclature:

• One scientific name associated with the common name "Summer Grass" is *Digitaria sanguinalis*.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Summer Grass (*Digitaria sanguinalis*) is noted as a common weed in Australia's lawns and gardens and also invades bushland in many regions.

Ecological Role:

• Summer Grass (*Digitaria sanguinalis*) is mentioned as an invasive species, indicating its ability to spread and potentially disrupt local ecosystems.

Morphological Characteristics

• Summergrass leaves are of a green-yellow color with light purple or white sheaths at the stem base and a membranous ligule.
• The species *Digitaria sanguinalis* is described as an annual sprawling grass that grows almost horizontally from its center and has fibrous roots and soft stems that grow close to the ground and often take root at the nodes. Leaves are hairy.

Interactions with Other Organisms:

• The text mentions "winter worm, summer grass" (D&#333ng chng xi cǎo), referring to a caterpillar fungus, suggesting a parasitic relationship where a fungus infects caterpillars.

Resources and Further Information:

• The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum (AGSEM) in Vista, CA, is mentioned as a location where Summergrass San Diego Bluegrass Festival is held.

Quirky Facts

• The Chinese name for a specific plant referred to as "Winter Worm-Summer Grass" is D&#333ng chng xi cǎo (&#20908&#34802&#22799&#33609), which translates to "worm in the winter, turns to plant in the summer," alluding to the life cycle of a caterpillar fungus.