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Celtica gigantea

Scientific Name: Celtica gigantea

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Giant Feather Grass (Stipa gigantea)

Giant Feather Grass, scientifically known as Stipa gigantea, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its elegant, oat-like flowerheads that shimmer in the sunlight.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Stipa gigantea Link
  • Synonyms: The plant has several synonyms due to taxonomic revisions, including:
    • Celtica gigantea (Link) F.M.Vzquez & Barkworth
    • Lasiagrostis gigantea (Link) Trin.
    • Avena striata Schousb. ex Willk. & Lange
    • Avena cavanillesii Lag.
    • Macrochloa gigantea (Link) Hack.
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family, also referred to as Gramineae)
  • Subspecies:
    • Celtica gigantea subsp. sterilis F. M. Vzquez & Barkworth
    • Celtica gigantea subsp. donyanae (F.M.Vzquez & Devesa) F.M.Vzquez & Barkworth
    • Celtica gigantea subsp. maroccana (Pau & Font Quer) F.M.Vzquez & Barkworth

Common Names

  • Giant Feather Grass
  • Feathergrass
  • Berceo (Spanish)
  • Banderillas (Spanish)

Description

Stipa gigantea is a clump-forming perennial grass characterized by its evergreen leaves. The leaves can grow up to 80 cm long. It produces airy, oat-like flowerheads on long stems, creating a shimmering effect in the garden.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is found in various regions. It's mentioned in relation to the Flora Digital of Portugal, the Euro-Mediterranean region, and also cultivated in gardens, such as at Ingall’s Creek Enrichment Center in Washington State and the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Quirky Facts

  • The flowerheads persist through winter, adding visual interest to the garden even after the growing season.
  • The text mentions that in Swedish, the flowers are described as moving "ltt i vinden och gnistrar i solen" meaning lightly in the wind and sparkling in the sun.
  • The name "banderillas" is used in Spanish.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life (EOL)
  • International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
  • The Plant List
  • Australian Plant Name Index
  • NYBG Virtual Herbarium
  • Euro+Med Plantbase
  • Flora Digital de Portugal