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Orcutt's threeawn

Scientific Name: Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Orcutt's Threeawn (Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana)

Orcutt's threeawn is a native perennial grass that adds a graceful touch to any landscape. Its weeping panicles drape outwards, creating an attractive visual effect.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant has awns, which are bristle-like appendages. The lateral awns are noted as being shorter than 3mm.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aristida schiedeana Trin. & Rupr. var. orcuttiana (Vasey) Allred & Valds-Reyna
  • Common Name: Orcutt's threeawn
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Rank: Variety
  • Synonym: Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana (Vasey) Allred & Valds-Reyna
  • Other Common Names: Single Threeawn, Beggar-tick Threeawn
  • Symbol: ARSCO

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to California.
  • Also found in New Mexico.
  • Reported occurrences in Florida and surrounding Key West.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial grass with a graminoid growth habit.
  • Lateral awns are shorter than 3mm.
  • The first glume is longer than the second.
  • Typically grows to approximately 50 cm tall.

Quirky Facts

  • Orcutt's Threeawn was documented on September 18th, 2002 (day 261 of the year) with branches described as "naked" and growth as "scattered".

Related Species

  • Aristida gypsophila (Gypsum Threeawn)
  • Aristida mohrii (Mohr's Threeawn)
  • Aristida dichotoma var. dichotoma (Churchmouse Threeawn)
  • Aristida divaricata
  • Aristida spiciformis (Bottlebrush Threeawn)
  • Aristida stricta (Pineland Threeawn)
  • Aristida purpurea (Purple Threeawn)

Additional Information

  • Part of the El Morro National Monument flora (at least 391 plant species in 219 genera and 61 families).