No images found for this plant ID: 7112.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "7112" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
purple smallreed
Scientific Name: Calamagrostis canescens
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Purple Small-reed (Calamagrostis canescens)
Calamagrostis canescens, commonly known as purple small-reed, is a grass species with an interesting distribution and ecological role. This page provides a detailed overview of its taxonomy, habitat, and more.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Calamagrostis canescens (F.H. Wigg.) Roth
- Common Name: Purple Small-reed
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Rank: Species
- Arundo canescens F.H. Wigg.
- Calamagrostis lanceolata Roth
- Calamagrostis lithuanica Bess.
- Arundo canescens Web.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe and western Siberia.
- Grows on moist, nutrient-rich soils in temperate areas with moderate climates throughout Europe and North America.
- In Leicestershire and Rutland, it is restricted to woodland habitats.
- Found in damp open woods and marshes.
Ecological Role
- Purple Small-reed is a food source for the Lempke's Gold Spot moth (Plusia putnami).
- Can be found growing alongside narrow dropwort, water horsetail and purple loosestrife in certain areas.
Morphological Characteristics
- Described as a tall, attractive grass.
- Perennial plant.
Hybridization
- Can hybridize with Narrow Small-reed (Calamagrostis stricta) to form Calamagrostis x gracilescens.
Further Information
- The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Calamagrostis canescens.
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Calamagrostis canescens.