Alpine hairgrass (Deschampsia media, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 2: 687 (1817))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Gouan) Roem. & Schult.

Bibliography: Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 2: 687 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Deschampsia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Europe to Morocco and Caucasus

Description

Alpine hairgrass, scientifically known as Deschampsia media, is a notable species belonging to the family Poaceae. This resilient grass is predominantly found across Central Europe, extending its presence to the diverse terrains of Morocco and the Caucasus region. The plant was first classified in the early 19th century, with its description being documented in 1817 by botanists (Gouan) Roem. & Schult. in the distinguished publication Systema Vegetabilium (ed. 15 bis 2: 687).

Characterized by its hardy nature, Deschampsia media thrives in various climatic conditions, often found in alpine meadows and rocky landscapes. Its adaptability to different environments makes it a subject of interest for both botanists and ecologists. The grass is known for its fine, hair-like tufts which give it a unique texture and appearance, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the regions it inhabits.

Ecologically, Alpine hairgrass plays a crucial role by providing ground cover that prevents soil erosion in mountainous areas. Its presence supports a host of flora and fauna, maintaining the integrity of the alpine ecosystems. The species’ distribution from Central Europe to North Africa and the Caucasus highlights its wide adaptability and ecological significance.

In summary, Alpine hairgrass (Deschampsia media) is a grass species with a broad geographical range and considerable ecological importance, contributing to the stability and diversity of the alpine and mountainous regions it colonizes.

Common Names

Deu: binsen-schmiele
En: Alpine hairgrass, Alpine tufted hairgrass
Fr: Canche moyenne, Canche à feuilles de jonc, Avoine des prés, Avoine panachée, Canche cespiteuse, Canche des champs, Canche intermédiaire
De: Binsen-Schmiele, Borst-Schmiele
It: Migliarino mediterraneo

Synonyms

• Aira capillaris (Savi)
• Aira cespitosa var. media ((Gouan) Bonnet)
• Deschampsia media subsp. masclansii (Cervi & Romo)
• Aira subaristata (Faye ex Andersson)
• Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. media ((Gouan) K.Richt.)
• Aira cespitosa var. juncea ((Chaix) Döll)
• Deschampsia subtriflora (Parl.)
• Deschampsia cespitosa var. convoluta ((Rouy) P.Fourn.)
• Aira media var. juncea ((Chaix) Nyman)
• Aira media (Gouan)
• Deschampsia refracta ((Lag.) Roem. & Schult.)
• Aira juncea (Vill.)
• Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. juncea ((Vill.) Rouy)
• Deschampsia media var. subaristata (Schmalh.)
• Aira media var. seslerioides (Mutel)
• Deschampsia cespitosa var. congesta ((Font Quer) Ehr.Bayer & G.López)
• Aira caryophyllea (Bertol.)
• Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. subtriflora ((Lag.) Ehr.Bayer & G.López)
• Schismus villarsii (Trin.)
• Aira cespitosa subsp. media ((Gouan) Douin)
• Deschampsia cespitosa var. angustifolia (Merino)
• Schismus gouanii (Trin.)
• Deschampsia media var. congesta ((Font Quer) F.M.Vázquez)
• Deschampsia media f. elegans ((Sennen) Cervi & Romo)
• Deschampsia media var. masclansii ((Cervi & Romo) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
• Deschampsia elegans (Sennen)
• Campella media ((Gouan) Link)
• Deschampsia juncea ((Vill.) P.Beauv.)
• Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. convoluta ((Rouy) P.Fourn.)
• Aira subtriflora (Lag.)
• Aira media var. congesta (Font Quer)
• Aira refracta (Lag.)
• Deschampsia media subsp. refracta ((Lag.) Paunero)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 3, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 3, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jun 3, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 1849 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:398017-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4143080)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Deschampsia media (Gouan) Roem. & Schult.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 5