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slimspike threeawn
Scientific Name: Aristida longespica var. longespica
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Aristida longespica: Slim-spike Three-awn Grass
Aristida longespica, commonly known as Slim-spike Three-awn Grass, is an annual graminoid belonging to the genus Aristida. It is also referred to as Slimspike Threeawn.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a grass. The text mentions long awns, which are bristle-like appendages. While not inherently toxic, these awns might pose a physical hazard if they become embedded in a pet's skin, paws, or mouth.
Considerations for Children
- As a grass with long awns, there's a potential, albeit low, risk of injury from the awns themselves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aristida longespica Poir.
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Common Names: Slim-spike Three-awn Grass, Slimspike Threeawn, long-spiked triple-awned grass
- Varieties: Aristida longespica var. longespica
- Synonyms: Slim-spike threeawn (as an English vernacular name)
Distribution and Habitat
- Aristida longespica is found in moist or dry, often sterile or sandy soil.
- Specific locations mentioned include Washington D.C. (DC), Maryland (MD), and Virginia (VA).
- It thrives in arid and semi-arid areas.
Morphological Characteristics
- It is an annual graminoid.
- The spike is 6-15 cm long, including awns, and 12-15 mm broad, according to the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas.
- Awns are present, contributing to the plant's distinctive appearance.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It interacts with Homoptera (sucking insects), specifically Cicadellidae, including Flexamia pictus.
Resources and Further Information
- Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System Data and Maps
- Vascular Flora of the Carolinas