SafePlants

Wideleaf Polargrass (Arctagrostis latifolia)

Wideleaf Polargrass, scientifically known as Arctagrostis latifolia, is a perennial graminoid found in various regions. This page provides information about its taxonomy, distribution, and other characteristics.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arctagrostis latifolia (R. Br.) Griseb.
• Common Names: wideleaf polargrass, broad leaf arctagrostis, polargrass, Russian grass, broadleaf arctic bent
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family), also referred to as Gramineae.
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subspecies:
  • Arctagrostis latifolia subsp. latifolia
  • Arctagrostis latifolia subsp. arundinacea (Trin.) Tzvelev
• Synonyms:
  • Arctagrostis anadyrensis V.N. Vassil.
  • Arctagrostis calamagrostidiformis V.N. Vassil.

Distribution and Habitat

• Wideleaf polargrass is found in Alaska.
• It is also present in Nunavut, Baffin Island, Iqaluit.
• It is associated with wetland sites, often located below long-lasting snowpatches dominated by mosses and grasses.

Morphological Characteristics

• Wideleaf Polargrass has green foliage.
• It produces yellow flowers, with a bloom period in late spring.
• Culms are (10)15-50(95) cm tall, with uppermost nodes usually in the lowest 1/3 of the culm.
• The plant is a perennial.
• Leaves are deciduous.

Ecological Role

• Wideleaf polargrass is part of the Alaska Forest Foodweb and Alaska Tundra Foodweb.
• It can be found alongside other plants such as Artemisia tilesii (stinkweed), Alpine arnica, Greyleaf draba, and Hairy stonecrop.

Additional Information

• Drought tolerance is low.
• It is a graminoid.

Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life