Canada bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis, Ess. Agrostogr.: 15, 157 (1812))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Michx.) P.Beauv.

Bibliography: Ess. Agrostogr.: 15, 157 (1812)

Year: 1812

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calamagrostis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to U.S.A.

Description

Canada bluejoint, scientifically known as Calamagrostis canadensis, is a notable grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. A resilient and versatile plant, it thrives in various regions spanning from Subarctic America to the United States, displaying a wide adaptability to different environmental conditions.

Described authoritatively in 1812 by P. Beauv. in Ess. Agrostogr., this grass is well-regarded for its ecological importance. Canada bluejoint typically grows in wetland areas, including marshes, bogs, and the edges of streams, showcasing its preference for moist habitats. Its robust presence in such environments contributes significantly to erosion control and the stabilization of soil in wetland ecosystems.

Growing to considerable heights, this perennial grass forms dense stands, which provide essential habitat and food for wildlife. Its dense growth habit also makes it effective in filtering and improving water quality, as it can trap sediments and absorb nutrients. The tall, feathery plumes of Canada bluejoint are a distinctive feature, often seen swaying gracefully in the breeze, adding aesthetic value to the landscapes it inhabits.

Furthermore, Canada bluejoint has been traditionally employed in various indigenous practices. Its sturdy stems have been used historically in crafting and construction, demonstrating the plant’s versatility beyond its ecological functions.

Overall, as a native species with extensive distribution, Canada bluejoint plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of wetland ecosystems across its range. Whether appreciated for its environmental contributions or its practical applications, Calamagrostis canadensis remains a vital component of North America’s botanical diversity.

Common Names

Eng: bluejoint, bluejoint reed grass, canada bluejoint, canada reed grass, bluejoint reedgrass, canadian bluejoint, canada bluejoint reedgrass, canada reedgrass, canadian reedgrass, marsh reedgrass
Fra: calamagrostide du canada, calamagrostis du canada, foin bleu
En: Canada bluejoint, Canada reed grass, Bluejoint, Bluejoint reed grass, Bluejoint reedgrass, Canadian bluejoint, Canada bluejoint reedgrass, Canada reedgrass, Canadian Reedgrass, Marsh reedgrass
Fr: Calamagrostide du Canada, Calamagrostis du Canada, Foin bleu

Synonyms

• Calamagrostis agrostoides ((Pursh) Spreng.)
• Calamagrostis canadensis subsp. acuminata ((Vasey ex Shear & Rydb.) Piper & Beattie)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. macouniana ((Vasey) Stebbins)
• Arundo agrostoides (Pursh)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. imberbis ((Stebbins) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. acuminata (Vasey ex Shear & Rydb.)
• Calamagrostis scribneri var. imberbis (Stebbins)
• Calamagrostis oregonensis (Buckley)
• Calamagrostis macouniana ((Vasey) Vasey)
• Deyeuxia lactea ((Beal) Suksd.)
• Deyeuxia canadensis ((Michx.) Munro ex Hook.f.)
• Calamagrostis lactea (Beal)
• Calamagrostis langsdorffii var. acuminata ((Vasey ex Shear & Rydb.) Litv.)
• Deyeuxia pallida ((Vasey & Scribn.) Suksd.)
• Calamagrostis columbiensis (Nutt. ex A.Gray)
• Calamagrostis langsdorffii var. scribneri ((Beal) M.E.Jones)
• Calamagrostis langsdorffii var. lactea ((Beal) Kearney)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. robusta (Vasey)
• Calamagrostis langsdorfii var. scribneri ((Beal) M.E.Jones)
• Deyeuxia preslii (Kunth)
• Deyeuxia confinis ((Willd.) Kunth)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. campestris (Kearney)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. dubia ((Scribn. & Tweedy) Vasey)
• Calamagrostis confinis ((Willd.) P.Beauv.)
• Arundo cinnoides (Muhl.)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. pallida ((Vasey & Scribn.) Stebbins)
• Arundo fissa (Willd. ex Steud.)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. lactea ((Beal) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. dorei (B.Boivin)
• Arundo conoides (Eaton)
• Calamagrostis hirtigluma (Steud.)
• Calamagrostis cinnoides (W.P.C.Barton)
• Calamagrostis blanda (Beal)
• Calamagrostis alaskana (Kearney)
• Calamagrostis nubila (Louis-Marie)
• Calamagrostis atropurpurea (Nash)
• Calamagrostis scribneri (Beal)
• Arundo confinis (Willd.)
• Deyeuxia dubia (Scribn. & Tweedy)
• Deyeuxia macouniana (Vasey)
• Calamagrostis langsdorffii var. marylandica (Trin.)
• Calamagrostis sitchensis (Trin. ex Griseb.)
• Calamagrostis michauxii (Trin. ex Steud.)
• Calamagrostis neglecta var. confinis ((Willd.) Beal)
• Calamagrostis scabra (J.Presl)
• Calamagrostis canadensis var. scabra ((J.Presl) Hitchc.)
• Calamagrostis langsdorfii var. lactea ((Beal) Kearney)
• Cinna purshii (Kunth)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

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

© 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/2704895)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1121202-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) P.Beauv.)

Specifications

Growth