Needlegrass: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 20:25, 30 December 2024

Needlegrass refers to a group of perennial grass species belonging to the genus Stipa. These grasses are known for their needle-like awns, which can be a distinguishing feature. Needlegrasses are commonly found in temperate regions and are often used in landscaping and restoration ecology due to their hardiness and adaptability.

Description[edit]

Needlegrasses are characterized by their long, slender leaves and sharp, pointed awns. The awns can aid in seed dispersal by attaching to animal fur or being carried by the wind. These grasses typically grow in bunches and can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters.

Habitat[edit]

Needlegrasses thrive in a variety of habitats, including prairies, savannas, and open woodlands. They are well adapted to dry and semi-arid conditions, making them a common choice for xeriscaping.

Ecological Importance[edit]

Needlegrasses play a crucial role in their ecosystems by providing forage for wildlife and livestock. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health by increasing organic matter.

Species[edit]

Some notable species of needlegrass include:

Stipa comata - commonly known as needle-and-thread grass
Stipa tenuissima - known as Mexican feather grass
Stipa pulchra - known as purple needlegrass

Uses[edit]

Needlegrasses are used in land reclamation projects and as ornamental plants in gardens. Their drought tolerance makes them ideal for sustainable landscaping.

Conservation[edit]

While many needlegrass species are abundant, some are considered threatened due to habitat loss and overgrazing. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable grazing practices.

References[edit]

External Links[edit]

Needlegrass on WikiMD

   This article is a Poaceae stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Needlegrass''' refers to a group of grass species within the genus ''Stipa'', which is part of the family ''Poaceae''. These grasses are characterized by their long, slender, and pointed leaves, resembling needles, hence the name needlegrass. They are native to various regions, including parts of North America, South America, Eurasia, and Australia, adapting to a wide range of environments from grasslands to forests. Needlegrass species play a crucial role in their ecosystems, providing habitat and food for numerous wildlife species, as well as contributing to the soil's health and preventing erosion.
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Needlegrass
+| image = <!-- Image removed -->
+| image_caption = Needlegrass in its natural habitat
+| regnum = [[Plantae]]
+| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
+| unranked_classis = [[Monocots]]
+| unranked_ordo = [[Commelinids]]
+| ordo = [[Poales]]
+| familia = [[Poaceae]]
+| subfamilia = [[Pooideae]]
+| tribus = [[Stipeae]]
+| genus = ''[[Stipa]]''
+}}
+'''Needlegrass''' refers to a group of perennial [[grass]] species belonging to the genus ''[[Stipa]]''. These grasses are known for their needle-like [[awns]], which can be a distinguishing feature. Needlegrasses are commonly found in [[temperate]] regions and are often used in [[landscaping]] and [[restoration ecology]] due to their hardiness and adaptability.
 ==Description==
-Needlegrass species typically feature clumps of basal leaves from which tall, slender flowering stalks emerge. The leaves are narrow and sharp, capable of piercing skin, which is a notable characteristic of the genus ''Stipa''. The flowers of needlegrass are arranged in inflorescences, which bear a resemblance to spikes or panicles, depending on the species. Each flower is protected by a pair of bracts, and the seeds are often attached to long, feathery awns, which assist in wind dispersal.
+Needlegrasses are characterized by their long, slender leaves and sharp, pointed awns. The awns can aid in seed dispersal by attaching to [[animal]] fur or being carried by the [[wind]]. These grasses typically grow in [[bunches]] and can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters.
-==Ecology==
+==Habitat==
-Needlegrass thrives in a variety of ecological settings, from arid deserts to moist forests, demonstrating the genus's adaptability. These grasses are particularly significant in grassland ecosystems, where they contribute to the biodiversity and stability of the habitat. Needlegrass species are known for their deep root systems, which help in soil stabilization and water retention, mitigating the effects of erosion and drought. Furthermore, they serve as a food source for grazing animals and provide nesting materials and shelter for birds and small mammals.
+Needlegrasses thrive in a variety of habitats, including [[prairies]], [[savannas]], and [[open woodlands]]. They are well adapted to [[dry]] and [[semi-arid]] conditions, making them a common choice for [[xeriscaping]].
-==Conservation==
+==Ecological Importance==
-While many needlegrass species are abundant and not currently at risk, some are facing threats from habitat loss, invasive species, and overgrazing. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these species and their habitats. This includes practices such as sustainable land management, restoration of degraded areas, and the control of invasive species. In some regions, specific needlegrass species are protected under law, and their habitats are designated as conservation areas.
+Needlegrasses play a crucial role in their ecosystems by providing [[forage]] for [[wildlife]] and [[livestock]]. Their deep root systems help prevent [[soil erosion]] and improve [[soil health]] by increasing [[organic matter]].
 ==Species==
-There are numerous species within the genus ''Stipa'', including:
+Some notable species of needlegrass include:
-* ''Stipa barbata'' – Silver Feather Grass
+* ''[[Stipa comata]]'' - commonly known as [[needle-and-thread grass]]
-* ''Stipa gigantea'' – Giant Needlegrass
+* ''[[Stipa tenuissima]]'' - known as [[Mexican feather grass]]
-* ''Stipa pulchra'' – Purple Needlegrass, the state grass of California
+* ''[[Stipa pulchra]]'' - known as [[purple needlegrass]]
-* ''Stipa tenuissima'' – Mexican Feather Grass
-Each species has its unique characteristics and adaptations, making them suited to their specific environments.
+==Uses==
+Needlegrasses are used in [[land reclamation]] projects and as [[ornamental plants]] in [[gardens]]. Their drought tolerance makes them ideal for [[sustainable landscaping]].
-==Uses==
+==Conservation==
-Historically, needlegrass species have been used by indigenous peoples for various purposes, including as a source of food, in basketry, and for medicinal uses. Today, needlegrass is valued in landscaping and habitat restoration projects for its aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Its ability to adapt to various soil types and conditions makes it an excellent choice for erosion control and the reclamation of degraded lands.
+While many needlegrass species are abundant, some are considered [[threatened]] due to [[habitat loss]] and [[overgrazing]]. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable [[grazing practices]].
+==References==
+* [[USDA Plants Database]]
+* [[Grass Manual on the Web]]
+==External Links==
+* [https://www.wikimd.com/wiki/Needlegrass Needlegrass on WikiMD]
-==See Also==
+{{Poaceae-stub}}
-* [[Grassland]]
-* [[Erosion control]]
-* [[Habitat restoration]]
-* [[Invasive species]]
-[[Category:Grasses]]
 [[Category:Poaceae]]
-[[Category:Flora of North America]]
+[[Category:Stipeae]]
-[[Category:Flora of South America]]
+[[Category:Grasses of North America]]
-[[Category:Flora of Eurasia]]
+[[Category:Grasses of South America]]
-[[Category:Flora of Australia]]
-{{Grasses-stub}}