SafePlants

Arctic Reedgrass (Calamagrostis coarctata)

Arctic Reedgrass, scientifically known as Calamagrostis coarctata, is a perennial herb belonging to the grass family. It is also commonly referred to as Nuttall's reedgrass or small reedgrass.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calamagrostis coarctata Eaton
• Synonyms: Calamagrostis cinnoides (Muhlenberg) Bartram, Small Reedgrass
• Common Names: Arctic Reedgrass, Nuttall's reedgrass, Small Reedgrass, Bluejoint Reedgrass, Marsh Arctic Reedgrass
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Genus: Calamagrostis Adans. (Reedgrass)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the eastern USA.
• Found in arctic freshwater environments.
• Specific locations mentioned include arctic Greenland and Canada for related species, suggesting tolerance for cold conditions.
• Found in the arctic tundra.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Tall perennial herb.
• Possesses an elongated rhizome.
• Graminoid with green foliage and green flowers.

Ecological Role

• Important species in arctic freshwater environments.
• Provides habitat and food for animals, e.g., it provides food for Arctic foxes and is a foodplant for the Sonoma Arctic Skipper caterpillar.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Food source for the Arctic Skipper caterpillar (specifically the purple reedgrass variant, Calamagrostis purpurascens).
• The text mentions images of Arctic foxes in reed grass habitats.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the.
• Discover Life page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Calamagrostis coarctata.
• IUCN Red List: Assessment by Romand-Monnier, F. (2013). View on www.iucnredlist.org.