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prairie sandreed
Scientific Name: Calamovilfa longifolia
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Prairie Sandreed: A Versatile Native Grass
Prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia) is a native grass found in North America, recognized for its ability to stabilize sandy soils and its value as forage.
Considerations for Pets
- This grass has stiffly erect culms and long, tapering leaves, which could pose a minor physical hazard.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Calamovilfa longifolia (Hook.) Scribn.
- Common Names: Prairie sandreed, sand reedgrass, sand reed, big sandgrass
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America, particularly the Great Plains and adjacent areas.
- Common on sandy rangelands, especially in central and eastern Colorado.
- Found at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 feet.
- Thrives on well-drained sites, especially deep sands.
Morphological Characteristics
- A perennial grass, growing from 2 to 6 feet tall.
- Sod-forming with strong creeping rhizomes.
- Culms are erect, usually solitary, stout, glabrous, and waxy. They can be solid or hollow near the base.
- Leaves are long and tapering, with blades that are flat near the base but roll inward near the thread-like tip.
- Seed head is 4-16 inches long.
Ecological Role
- Valuable for soil stabilization in sandy areas prone to wind erosion.
- Important for range and pasture lands and hay.
Cultivars
- 'Goshen' and 'Pronghorn' are named cultivars of prairie sandreed.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Moderately palatable to livestock.
- May be found in association with sun sedge in the northern Great Plains.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Discover Life
- ResearchGate
- Dave's Garden