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spreading windmill grass
Scientific Name: Chloris divaricata
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Windmill Grass: A Comprehensive Overview
Windmill grass encompasses several species within the Chloris genus, known for their distinctive windmill-like seed heads. This grass is often found in various environments, and its adaptability makes it a noteworthy plant.
Considerations for Pets
- Some varieties spread via stolons (above-ground stems), potentially making them accessible for pets to ingest.
- The text mentions that the seeds are spread by wind, and these seeds may be small enough to be ingested by pets.
Considerations for Children
- The plant's spreading growth habit, especially via stolons, might make it easily accessible to children.
- The seed heads, which are readily dispersed by wind, could be of interest to young children.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Chloris Sw. (Genus)
- Common Names: Windmill grass, Umbrella grass, Blowaway grass, Finger grass, Hooded windmill grass.
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Rank: Genus
- Synonyms/Related Species:
- Chloris diluta
- Chloris divaricata (Spreading windmill grass, Star windmill grass)
- Chloris ekmanii
- Chloris elata (Tall windmill grass)
- Chloris exilis
- Chloris filiformis
- Chloris truncata
- Chloris verticillata (Tumble Windmill Grass)
- Chloris cucullata (Hooded Windmill Grass)
- Chloris andropogonoides (Slimspike Windmill Grass)
- Chloris pectinata (Comb Windmill Grass)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to: HI (Hawaii), I (presumably other islands), L48 (Lower 48 US states), PB (presumably Pacific Basin).
- The species Chloris verticillata has spread west into Nevada and California, and east to Illinois.
- Commonly found along roadsides.
Ecological Role
- Windmill grass is described as a weedy species and a prolific grower.
- It can be a problem in lawns and is known to spread, sometimes becoming resistant to glyphosate.
- Its seeds are spread by wind, contributing to its dispersal.
- Listed as a common roadside summer weed.
Morphological Characteristics
- Erect, short, tufted grass.
- Can be annual or perennial.
- Grows up to 1 meter tall in some varieties.
- Leaves are hairless and light blue-gray to pale green, ascending to spreading.
- The "windmill-like flower-head" consists of 7-15 spikes stiffly spreading from the tip.
- Spike-like structures are 2 to 4.5 inches long, often in 1-3 whorls, widely spreading.
- Some varieties spread by short stolons (above-ground stems) that root at the nodes.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Mentioned in the context of weed control and resistance to herbicides like glyphosate.
- Competes with turfgrasses and other plants, taking advantage of opportunities where the turf is not dense.
Quirky Facts
- Some varieties of Windmill Grass are known to roll over the turf like a tumbleweed to spread its seed, a process sometimes referred to as "tumble windmill grass".
- One of the common names for this grass is "Arse Grass".