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beardgrass

Scientific Name: Bothriochloa

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Polypogon Species: Beard Grass and Rabbitsfoot Grass

The genus Polypogon, belonging to the grass family (Poaceae), includes various species commonly known as beard grass or rabbitsfoot grass. Several species are referenced below; it is important to properly identify the specific plant.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Some beard grass species, like Polypogon monspeliensis, have dense, bearded spikes which may be of interest to pets or children.
  • The seeds of some beard grasses are eaten by finches, juncos, and tree sparrows. This could be a consideration if these grasses are used in areas frequented by pets that hunt birds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Polypogon sp.
  • Common Names: Beard grass, rabbitsfoot grass
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms & Related Species:
    • Polypogon monspeliensis (Annual Beard-grass) also listed as syn. Alopecurus monspeliensis
    • Some grasses previously classified under Andropogon are now classified as Bothriochloa (e.g., Silver Beardgrass/Silver Bluestem: Bothriochloa saccharoides, formerly Andropogon sarrachoides).
    • Bushy Bluestem, sometimes referred to as Bush Beardgrass (Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus) or Schizachyrium
    • Broom Sedge or Yellow Bluestem (Andropogon virginicus)
    • Elliott's Beardgrass (Andropogon gyrans)
    • Golden Beard Grass (Chrysopogon fallax)
    • Golden Beardgrass (Chrysopogon aciculatus)
    • Cane Beardgrass (Bothriochloa barbinodis)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Polypogon is described as a nearly cosmopolitan genus, indicating a wide distribution across the globe.
  • Specific mentions include Southern Europe (as the native region for Polypogon monspeliensis).
  • It is also mentioned in South Australia and Western Australia.
  • Other regions include Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chad, China (various provinces).
  • Bushy Beardgrass in Hawaii is mentioned to be threatening disturbed and open areas.

Ecological Role

  • Bush beardgrass is noted as a successful fire-promoter and post-fire colonizer, particularly in the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Polypogon monspeliensis is considered relatively invasive in some regions.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Annual beard grass can grow up to 90 cm tall.
  • Its leaves are hairless but slightly rough, flat, and can reach up to 20 cm long and 8 mm wide.
  • The flower-head is a soft, cigar-shaped, dense spike.
  • Flowers of some varieties emerge enclosed in clustered bushy bracts atop upright stems.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The seeds of Bushy Beardgrass are consumed by finches, juncos, and tree sparrows.
  • The plant is browsed by white-tailed deer and rabbits.
  • A phytoplasma was detected in golden beard grass (Chrysopogon aciculatus)

Resources and Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Polypogon fugax.
  • UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants offers identification resources.
  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community for sharing gardening tips.
  • Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bothriochloa (Beardgrass).