blue Canary grass
Phalaris coerulescens Desf.
Phalaris coerulescens, commonly known as blue Canary grass, is a member of the grass family (Poaceae) and is native to several regions in Europe and the Atlantic islands. First described in 1798 by Desf., this species is characterized by its bluish-green foliage and is part of the genus Phalaris, which includes several grasses known for their ornamental and ecological significance. It is widely distributed across countries such as Belgium, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Italy, and several Atlantic islands including Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands.
Description
Blue Canary grass is a perennial grass species that typically grows in dense tufts or clumps. It has slender, linear leaves that are often tinged with a bluish hue, giving the plant its common name. The inflorescence is a narrow, open panicle composed of spikelets that are typically arranged in pairs. Each spikelet contains two florets, with the lower one usually sterile and the upper one fertile. The plant is diploid, with a chromosome number of 2n = 14, and is known for its relatively compact growth habit and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Habitat
Phalaris coerulescens is typically found in open, grassy habitats such as meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It is well-adapted to temperate climates and can tolerate a range of environmental conditions, including moderate drought and poor soils. The species is often associated with calcareous or neutral soils and is commonly found in lowland and upland regions. It is also known to occur in coastal areas on islands such as Madeira and the Azores, where it may grow in drier, rocky environments.
Cultivation
Blue Canary grass is occasionally cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its attractive bluish foliage and compact growth. It is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated through seed or division. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for use in rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover. It is generally hardy in temperate climates and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Uses
While Phalaris coerulescens is not widely used for agricultural purposes, it has some ornamental value in horticulture. Its bluish-green coloration makes it an attractive addition to gardens where a cool-toned grass is desired. It is also of interest to botanists and researchers studying grass evolution and polyploidy within the genus Phalaris. The species may play a role in stabilizing soils in natural habitats and can contribute to biodiversity in grassland ecosystems.
Other common names
Sunolgrasssunol grassblue Canary grass
Distribution
Santa Maria Island · Desertas · Madeira Island · Porto Santo island · Belgium · Brussels-Capital Region · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain · DK · Azores · Czech Republic · Italy · Madeira · SE · CZ · PL · DE · AU · NO · Coquimbo Region |Biobío Region · conterminous 48 United States · Albania · Algeria · Argentina Northeast · Baleares · California · Canary Is. · Corse · Czechoslovakia
Synonyms
Phalaris aquatica var. macrostachyaPhalaris bulbosa var. coerulescensPhalaris bulbosa var. nervosaPhalaris coerulescens subsp. lusitanicaPhalaris coerulescens var. concolorPhalaris coerulescens var. majorPhalaris coerulescens var. ovataPhalaris coerulescens var. tenuisPhalaris coerulescens var. villosulaPhalaris commutataPhalaris paradoxa var. coerulescensPhalaris tuberosaPhalaris variegataPhalaris villosulaPhleum alatumPhalaris coerulescens var. maiorPhalaris paradoxa var. megastachysPhalaris paradoxa var. microstachysPhalaris aquatica var. macrostachysPhalaris nodosa subsp. caerulescensPhalaris paradoxa var. caerulescens