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silver beardgrass
Scientific Name: Bothriochloa laguroides
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Silver Beardgrass
Explore the characteristics and ecological role of Silver Beardgrass, a notable grass species found in North America.
Considerations for Pets
- Silver Beardgrass is a grass. Grasses may cause digestive upset in pets if ingested in large quantities.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Bothriochloa laguroides (DC.) Herter
- Common Names: Silver Beardgrass, Silver Bluestem
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Synonyms: Formerly known as Andropogon saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. and Andropogon sarrachoides.
- Subspecies: Bothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana (Steud.) Allred & Gould
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical America and established in North America.
- Found in various locations including Alabama, Arizona, and Kansas.
- May dominate in overgrazed areas or areas of poor soil.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Reaches 0.6 to 1.3 meters (about 2 to 4 feet) in height.
- Ornamental bunchgrass, typically 2-3 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide.
- Bright green leaves that turn orange in the fall.
- Has a dense panicle made up of several short clusters.
- Large seed heads which catch the light and persist through the winter.
Ecological Role
- Can be common in areas around Starkville and central Mississippi.
- May be considered invasive in some regions, as indicated by its presence in the Invasive Plant Atlas.
Quirky Facts
- Silver Beardgrass doesn't typically bloom until later in the growing season, so don't be fooled if you don't see flowers earlier in the year.
Further Resources
- Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bothriochloa laguroides.
- USDA PLANTS Database: Contains information and the USDA PLANTS Symbol (BOLA2) for this species.
- Dave's Garden: A community where gardeners share tips, ideas, seeds, and plants.
- UGA Photos: Images available through www.invasive.org or www.forestryimages.org.