narrow Canary grass
Phalaris angusta Nees ex Trin.
Phalaris angusta, known as narrow Canary grass, is a species of grass native to the Americas, particularly prevalent in Chile and Argentina. It is also found in northern South America and parts of the United States, with additional occurrences in regions such as Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. This grass has been introduced to Australia and is now naturalized there. It typically grows in grasslands, prairies, and marshlands.
Description
Phalaris angusta is a grass species with a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 14. It is characterized by its narrow leaves and is part of the Poaceae family, which includes many economically and ecologically important grasses. The species is commonly referred to as narrow Canary grass and is often found in open habitats such as grasslands and marshes. It is a perennial grass that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions and is adapted to temperate climates.
Habitat
This grass is typically found in grasslands, prairies, and marshlands. It is well adapted to moist to moderately dry environments and can tolerate a range of soil types. Phalaris angusta is often associated with open, disturbed areas and can be a component of mixed grass communities. It is native to parts of South America and has been introduced to other regions, where it can establish in similar habitats.
Cultivation
Phalaris angusta is not commonly cultivated for agricultural purposes but may be found in naturalized settings or as part of native grass mixtures. It can be grown in temperate climates and prefers well-drained soils. While it is not widely used in horticulture or agriculture, it may have potential for use in ecological restoration projects due to its adaptability and ability to colonize disturbed sites.
Uses
While not widely used for commercial purposes, Phalaris angusta may serve as forage for wildlife and livestock in its native range. Its presence in grasslands and marshes contributes to local biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The species may also have potential for use in erosion control and habitat restoration due to its ability to establish in a variety of soil conditions.
Other common names
narrow Canary grasstimothy Canary grasstimothy canarygrass
Distribution
BR · Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza · ZA · Belgium · Flemish Region · Walloon Region · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain · DK · Hungary · SE · AU · FR · Desconocido · NO · EC · Coquimbo Region |Valparaíso Region |Metropolitana Region |O'Higgins Region |Biobío Region |Araucanía Region |Arica and Parinacota Region · Alabama · Argentina Northeast · Argentina Northwest · Argentina South · Arizona · Bolivia · Brazil Southeast · Brazil South · California · Cape Provinces · Chile Central · Chile South
Synonyms
Phalaris angusta f. macraPhalaris chilensisPhalaris intermedia var. angustaPhalaris laxaPhalaris ludowicianaPhalaris segetalisPhalaris angusta f. macraPhalaris angusta var. angustaPhalaris angusta var. robustaPhalaris angusta f. compositaPhalaris angusta f. interrupta