Baden’s bluegrass (Poa badensis, Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 1: 392 (1797))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Haenke ex Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 1: 392 (1797)

Year: 1797

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Poa

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & SE. Europe to NW. Iran

Description

Baden’s bluegrass, scientifically known as Poa badensis, is a remarkable species belonging to the Poaceae family. This perennial grass is a notable flora component within its native range, spreading across Central and Southeastern Europe and extending as far east as Northwestern Iran. The species was first described and listed in the fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1797, authored by Haenke and elaborated by Willdenow.

Poa badensis distinguishes itself through its graceful and slender form, typically thriving in meadows, grasslands, and mountainous regions where it contributes to the ecological balance. Its adaptability to various climatic conditions within its native range is a testament to its resilience and ecological significance.

The grass features narrow, green leaves and delicate flower heads that emerge during its blooming season, adding a touch of elegance to the landscapes it inhabits. Baden’s bluegrass is not just admired for its aesthetic appeal but also for its role in providing forage and habitat for various wildlife.

As part of the extensive Poaceae family, Poa badensis shares common traits with its relatives, such as efficient water usage and resilience to grazing. These characteristics make it an important species for sustainable grassland management and conservation efforts.

In summary, Baden’s bluegrass (Poa badensis) is a valuable species with a rich history and significant ecological role across a broad geographical range from Europe to Northwestern Iran. Its enduring presence in diverse environments highlights the importance of understanding and preserving such plant species for future generations.

Common Names

Eng: baden’s bluegrass
Deu: badener rispengras
En: Baden’s bluegrass
Nl: Badens Beemdgras
Fr: Pâturin de Baden
De: Badener Rispengras, Badisches Rispengras, Pannonisches Rispengras
It: Fienarola di Baden

Synonyms

• Poa collina (Host)
• Poa alpina var. minor (Schrad.)
• Poa alpina var. brevifolia ((DC.) Godr.)
• Poa cenisia var. badensis ((Haenke ex Willd.) Rchb.)
• Poa alpina var. collina (Wahlenb.)
• Poa imeretica (Sommier & Levier)
• Poa badensis var. nabelekii (Podp.)
• Poa badensis subsp. multiflora ((Gaudin) Rivas Mart.)
• Poa alpina f. badensis ((Haenke ex Willd.) Döll)
• Poa alpina subsp. badensis ((Haenke ex Willd.) Arcang.)
• Poa alpina var. multiflora (Gaudin)
• Poa koeleri (DC.)
• Poa badensis var. imeretica ((Sommier & Levier) Tzvelev)
• Poa badensis var. multiflora ((Gaudin) Kerguélen)
• Poa thermalis (Pers.)
• Poa alpina var. badensis ((Haenke ex Willd.) Wallr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Romania (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 2, 2020 by Christine Gallois (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 7, 2020 by nicolas Francois (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4127566)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:416575-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Poa badensis Haenke ex Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth