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heath false brome

Scientific Name: Brachypodium pinnatum

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Heath False Brome (Brachypodium pinnatum)

Heath False Brome, scientifically known as Brachypodium pinnatum, is a grass found in temperate regions. It is also known as Tor-grass.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a grass, and while grasses are generally considered safe, it's still wise to monitor your pet's interaction with any plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Brachypodium pinnatum (L.) P. Beauv.
  • Common Name: Heath False-brome, Tor-grass
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Synonyms: Agropyron pinnatum, Bromus pinnatus, B. abbreviatum
  • Rank: Species
  • Taxon Version Key: NHMSYS0000456583

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Eurasia.
  • Rare visitor to North America, with collections reported in California, Oregon, and Massachusetts.
  • Found in well-drained neutral to calcareous soils, particularly in England.

Ecological Role

  • Can become an aggressive grass, potentially dominating calcareous grasslands and juniper heathland.
  • Increasing dominance and possible range expansion have been observed on some sites.
  • Larval food source for certain butterfly species, such as the Essex Skipper.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial grass.
  • Forms tall swards in southern and eastern England.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Eaten by the Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) moth.
  • Larval food plant for some skippers, including the Essex Skipper.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "heath false brome" has multiple translations from English to other languages, including Gewhnliche Fiederzwenke (German), and brachypode (French).

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS database