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prairie threeawn
Scientific Name: Aristida oligantha
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Prairie Threeawn (Aristida oligantha)
Aristida oligantha, commonly known as prairie threeawn or oldfield threeawn, is a grass species found in North America.
Considerations for Pets
- After maturity, the seeds of prairie threeawn can become entangled in the wool of sheep.
- The plant is described as mechanically injurious to livestock.
Considerations for Children
- The plant produces seeds that are mentioned to be injurious.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aristida oligantha Michx.
- Common Names: Prairie threeawn, oldfield threeawn, wiregrass, ticklegrass, Oldfield (Prairie) 3-awn, Oldfield threeawn.
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Tribe: Aristideae
- Synonyms: Aristida oliganthus Michx.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the United States and southern regions.
- Occurs throughout Texas, especially common in prairie regions.
- Found in the eastern half of the United States.
- A pioneer species in secondary succession in the east-central USA.
Ecological Role
- Often deemed weedy and invasive.
- An indicator of deteriorated range.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Summer annual.
- Tufted at the base.
- Culms (stems) can be erect or sprawl across the ground, up to 2 feet long.
- Wiry, hollow culms, 12 to 24 inches tall, much branched at the base, glabrous or slightly hairy.
- Reproduces by seeds.
- Roots are fibrous.
- Size: Approximately 7 inches tall.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Has little value as a forage grass.
- Unpalatable to livestock.
Additional Information
- Poor grazing for wildlife and livestock.
- Bloom period: August to November.
- Mentioned in the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
- Further information available at http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AROL.