Family: Poaceae
Author: Huds.
Bibliography: Fl. Angl.: 23 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Phleum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to C. & S. Japan
Description
British timothy, scientifically known as Phleum paniculatum, is an intriguing member of the Poaceae family. First documented in the Flora Anglica in 1762 by the botanist Huds, this species has garnered attention for its ecological versatility and wide geographical presence.
Native to Europe, British timothy has also established a significant presence across central and southern regions of Japan. This adaptability to diverse climatic conditions speaks volumes about its evolutionary success. The grass thrives in a variety of environments, showcasing its robustness and the adaptability that is characteristic of many Poaceae family members.
British timothy is often recognized for its distinctive, cylindrical seed heads, which are a key identifying feature. These seed heads, along with the plant’s overall morphology, contribute to its utility and recognition in different habitats. Its role in ecosystems is multifaceted, serving as forage for livestock and wildlife, thus playing a crucial part in rural and agricultural landscapes.
The scientific exploration and documentation of British timothy by Huds in the 18th century laid the foundation for its study and utilization in modern agriculture and ecological research. Its distribution from Europe to Japan illustrates the plant’s ecological plasticity and ability to thrive in diverse environmental contexts.
In essence, Phleum paniculatum, or British timothy, is a robust and ecologically significant grass species. Its documented history and widespread presence underline its importance in both natural ecosystems and agricultural settings, making it a plant of considerable interest for botanists and agriculturists alike.
Common Names
Eng: british timothy
Deu: rauhes lieschgras, rispen-lieschgras
Dan: sten-rottehale
Ces: bojínek latnatý
Lav: skarainais timotiņš
Swe: stentimotej
En: British timothy
Ca: Flèum aspre
Cs: Bojínek latnatý
Da: Sten-rottehale
Fr: Fléole en panicules, Fléole paniculée, Fléole rude, Phléole rude
De: Rispiges Lieschgras, Rauhes Lieschgras, Rispen-Lieschgras
It: Codolina lima
Lv: Skarainais timotiņš
Sv: Stentimotej
Synonyms
- Chilochloa paniculata ((Huds.) P.Beauv.)
- Phleum paniculatum var. annuum ((M.Bieb.) G.Westb.)
- Chilochloa aspera (P.Beauv.)
- Phleum paniculatum var. ciliatum ((Boiss.) Bor)
- Phleum asperum var. annuum ((M.Bieb.) Griseb.)
- Phleum asperum (Jacq.)
- Phleum asperum var. japonicum ((Franch. & Sav.) Hack.)
- Phleum asperum var. ciliatum (Boiss.)
- Phleum annuum (M.Bieb.)
- Phalaris aspera (Retz.)
- Phleum viride (All.)
- Phleum japonicum (Franch. & Sav.)
- Chilochloa annua ((M.Bieb.) Roem. & Schult.)
- Phalaris tenuifolia (Steud.)
- Phleum sibiricum (C.C.Gmel.)
- Phleum odoratum (Roem. & Schult.)
- Phleum paniculatum subsp. annuum ((M.Bieb.) Holub)
- Phleum lima (C.C.Gmel.)
- Plantinia aspera ((Jacq.) Bubani)
- Phleum paniculatum var. biebersteinii (Grossh.)
- Phalaris paniculata ((Huds.) Aiton)
- Phleum paniculatum subsp. ciliatum ((Boiss.) Dogan)
- Phleum asperum subsp. annuum ((M.Bieb.) K.Richt.)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Italy (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krym (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Primorye (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 22, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Habit
Taken Jul 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2706002)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:415858-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phleum paniculatum Huds.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]
Soil nutriments: 6
