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plains reedgrass

Scientific Name: Calamagrostis montanensis

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Calamagrostis montanensis

Calamagrostis montanensis is a species of grass known by the common names plains reedgrass and prairie reedgrass.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a grass. While grasses are usually safe, ingestion can occasionally cause gastrointestinal upset in pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Calamagrostis montanensis Scribn. ex Vasey
  • Common Names: Plains reedgrass, Prairie reedgrass
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Genus: Calamagrostis
  • Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Calamagrostis montanensis is native to North America.
  • It is found in the grasslands of the Boreal Plains Ecoprovince of northeastern British Columbia.
  • It grows in moist to moderately dry prairie environments.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a perennial graminoid.
  • The culm (stem) is 20-40 cm tall.
  • The panicle (flower cluster) is 5-10 cm long.
  • It has stiff, bluish-green blades that are 2-3 mm wide.
  • The flowers are held erect in slender spikes, then tighten into narrow seed heads.

Ecological Role

  • In some regions, it is classified as an "increaser," meaning its presence increases under certain environmental conditions, like grazing.

Associated Species

  • It often grows alongside Needle and Thread grass (Stipa comata), Green Needlegrass, and sedges (Carex spp.).

Related Calamagrostis Species

  • Calamagrostis canadensis (Bluejoint reedgrass)
  • Calamagrostis stricta (Slimstem reedgrass)
  • Calamagrostis purpurascens (Purple Reedgrass)
  • Calamagrostis nutkaensis (Pacific Reedgrass)
  • Calamagrostis inexpansa (Marsh Reed-grass / Northern Reed Grass)
  • Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass)
  • Calamagrostis epigeios
  • Calamagrostis nemoralis
  • Calamagrostis canadensis var. macouniana (Macoun's reedgrass)

Further Information

  • Additional information may be available from the FEIS (Fire Effects Information System) database.
  • TERMIUM is the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank, which may contain related information.
  • Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.