SafePlants

Achnatherum calamagrostis: Silver Spear Grass

Achnatherum calamagrostis, also known as Stipa calamagrostis, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its graceful form and attractive seed heads. Common names include silver spear grass, needle grass, and silver spike grass.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is commonly referred to as "needle grass" and "spear grass," suggesting potentially sharp elements.
• It produces feathery plumes which could break off and become small parts.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is commonly referred to as "needle grass" and "spear grass," suggesting potentially sharp elements.
• It produces feathery plumes which could break off and become small parts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Achnatherum calamagrostis (L.) P.Beauv.
• Synonyms:
  • Stipa calamagrostis (L.) Wahlenb.
  • Agrostis calamagrostis
  • Lasiagrostis calamagrostis
• Subspecies: Achnatherum calamagrostis subsp. mesatlasicum (Quzel) Dobignard (synonym of Stipa calamagrostis)
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Group: Monocot

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to stony places and clearings in the mountains of central and southern Europe.
• Also found in Illyrian screes of the Balkan Peninsula (Albania, Montenegro, Serbia).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Forms graceful mounds of narrow foliage.
• Grows up to one meter tall.
• Features large, buff, feathery plumes that persist into winter.
• Displays silver-green flower spikes in late spring that age to tawny.
• Tussock-forming, perennial grass.

Ecological Role

• Acts as a pioneer species in badlands in submediterranean regions.

Quirky Facts

• It blooms in the summer months.
• It is considered an outstanding Old World species.

Further Information

• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
• WCSP (presumably World Checklist of Selected Plant Families)
• IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium (New York Botanical Garden)