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rescuegrass
Scientific Name: Bromus catharticus
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Bromus catharticus: The Versatile Rescuegrass
Bromus catharticus, commonly known as rescuegrass, is a brome grass with a variety of uses and a widespread presence. It is also known by other common names such as grazing brome, prairie grass, and Schrader's bromegrass.
Considerations for Pets
- Rescuegrass is a grass that can be found along roadsides, hay meadows, or in pastures. This may increase exposure for pets that graze.
- Some sources mention the presence of hair on the leaves and flattened spikelets in the seedhead, which could be a consideration for pets that may ingest the plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bromus catharticus Vahl.
- Common Names: Rescuegrass, grazing brome, prairie grass, Schrader's bromegrass, rescue brome, matua.
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Tribe: Poeae
- Synonyms: Bromus unioloides Kunth, Bromus willdenowii Kunth, Ceratochloa unioloides, Festuca (Note: the text does not give the full scientific name for Festuca).
Distribution and Habitat
- Originally from South America, Bromus catharticus has been introduced into the United States.
- It grows extensively in all southern states during the winter.
- It can be found mainly along roadsides, hay meadows, or in pastures.
- The origin of at least some cultivars is the Mediterranean region.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Rescuegrass is described as a short-lived perennial (though some sources list it as an annual) bunchgrass.
- Culms (stems) are erect to ascending, stout, hollow, glabrous (smooth) to hairy just below nodes.
- Blades (leaves) are flat and narrow, ranging from 1 to 8 inches in length.
- It is a tall, erect bunchgrass, typically growing to 2-3 feet tall.
- It has an inflorescence that is erect or drooping, flat and open.
- Some varieties have fuzzy lower sheaths and blades.
Ecological Role
- Rescuegrass garnered its name for its propensity for quick rescue.
- The text implies that rescuegrass competes with winter wheat, fighting for available moisture.
Additional Information
- Rescuegrass is used for grazing and hay.
- It provides fair value for wildlife.
- It is cultivated in warm regions for hay and forage.
Further Resources
- CalPhotos (for images of Bromus catharticus)
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
- Brittonia (Journal with an article on the correct name for rescue grass)