Whitish Reed Bentgrass

 

Scientific name: Calamagrostis canescens (Weber) Roth 

Family: Poaceae

 

MORPHOLOGY

 

Habit and dimensions: Perennial herbaceous plant ranging from 30 to 100 cm in height.

 

Stems: Erect, robust, and solid stem.

 

Leaves: The leaves are long and narrow, light green in color. They may be slightly pubescent on the upper surface and are arranged alternately along the stem.

 

Flowers: The inflorescence consists of dense and narrow spikes that rise above the foliage. The spikes can vary in color, from light brown to purplish. It blooms between May and July.

 

Fruits and seeds: The fruits are caryopses.

 

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

 

It grows in northern regions from Piedmont to Friuli excluding Valle d’Aosta. Commonly found in moist meadows, pastures, moors, and marshy areas from sea level to 500 m.

 

Photo: Used under a free license from Saxifraga and Piet Zomerdijk, Rutger Barendse, Hans Dekker.