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sandreed

Scientific Name: Calamovilfa

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Prairie Sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia)

Calamovilfa longifolia, commonly known as prairie sandreed or sand reedgrass, is a native North American grass. Other common names include sand reed, prairie sandgrass, and big sandgrass.

Considerations for Pets

  • This grass grows between 2-6 feet tall.
  • Blades are flat near the base but roll inward near the thread-like tip.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Calamovilfa longifolia (Hook.) Scribn.
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Synonym: Calamovilfa gigantea (Giant Sandreed)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, specifically the Great Plains and adjacent areas.
  • It thrives on well-drained sites, particularly deep sands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Prairie sandreed is a sod-forming perennial grass, growing 2-6 feet tall.
  • It has stiffly erect culms (stems).
  • Culms are usually solitary, stout, glabrous, and waxy. They can be solid or hollow near the base.
  • Leaves are long and tapering.
  • The seed head is 4-16 inches long.
  • It is a warm-season grass.
  • It is rhizomatous, forming an open sod.

Ecological Role

  • Prairie sandreed is used for stabilization of sandy areas prone to wind erosion.

Uses

  • Grazing and rangeland forage
  • Hayland
  • Soil binder

Cultivars

  • 'Goshen'
  • 'Pronghorn'

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Moderately palatable to livestock.

Further Information

  • USDA NRCS Bridger Plant Materials Center, Bridger, MT