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loose silkybent

Scientific Name: Apera spica-venti

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Loose Silky Bent Grass (Apera spica-venti)

Loose silky bent grass, scientifically known as Apera spica-venti, is a hardy annual grass often found in agricultural settings. It's also known as Wind Grass, reflecting its delicate and feathery flower heads.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant's delicate and feathery flower heads may be appealing to pets, potentially leading to ingestion.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant's delicate and feathery flower heads may be appealing to children, potentially leading to ingestion.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Apera spica-venti (L.) P. Beauv.
  • Common Names: Loose Silky Bent Grass, Wind Grass
  • Synonyms:
    • Agrostis spica-venti
    • Anemagrostis spica-venti
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Other designations: APESV

Distribution and Habitat

  • Originally from Europe, loose silky bent grass has been introduced to North America, likely as a contaminant of imported seed grain around the early 1800s.
  • It is predominantly found on light arable land, particularly in the East and South.

Ecological Role

  • Loose silky bent grass is considered a competitive grass weed, especially in winter annual cereals.
  • Infestation rates have increased in Europe.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is an annual panicle grass.
  • The foliage is greenish purple, flat, and rough, lacking hairs.
  • The sheath is smooth.
  • It is a tufted grass, often growing individually.
  • Stems can be sturdy or slim, reaching a height of 40-80 cm.
  • It has small, one-flowered spikelets (approximately 2.5-3 mm in length) arranged in a large pyramidal panicle.
  • Flowers bloom from June to August.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It is a host to dragonflies and damselflies.

Quirky Facts

  • Loose silky bent grass can be dried and used as a winter decoration, adding a touch of natural elegance to indoor spaces.

Further Information

  • RHS: Find help &amp information on Apera spica-venti loose silky bent from the RHS.
  • Discover Life: Discover Life&#39s page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Apera spica-venti
  • Dave's Garden: Join friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.