SafePlants

American Sloughgrass (Beckmannia syzigachne)

American Sloughgrass, also known simply as slough grass, western sloughgrass, or caterpillar grass, is a grass found in various wetland habitats.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Beckmannia syzigachne (Steud.) Fernald
• Family: Poaceae (grass family)
• Synonyms:
  • Beckmannia eruciformis (L.) Host var. uniflora
  • Beckmannia eruciformis
  • Beckmannia syzigachne var. uniflora
  • Beckmannia eruciformis ssp. baicalensis
• Plant Symbol: BESY

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Asia and the western and northern United States (but not New England).
• Found in damp habitats, such as wet ground, shallow water, and along the edges of ponds, swamps, and ditches.
• Characteristically found in marshlands and heavy wet soils.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Annual or short-lived perennial bunchgrass.
• Cool-season grass that can form bunches, spreading from short rhizomes.
• Leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 3-10 mm wide.
• Distinguished by its distinctive inflorescences with 1-flowered or 2-flowered spikelets in two rows along one side.

Ecological Role

• The seeds are eaten by waterfowl, seed-eating birds, and small mammals.
• Can be a troublesome grass weed in winter wheat fields after rice in China.
• Can be a good choice for stream-bank restoration.
• Wetland habitat is vulnerable to pollution.

Uses

• Palatable to all classes of livestock and is frequently hayed or grazed.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Provides food and foliage to waterfowl and songbirds.

Quirky Facts

• In Birchdale, Minnesota, there is a bluegrass band called The Sloughgrass Band, which is a family affair.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS Plant Fact Sheet
• Michigan Natural Features Inventory
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)