Fern grass (Catapodium rigidum, J.G.Dony, Fl. Bedfordshire: 437 (1953))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (L.) C.E.Hubb.

Bibliography: J.G.Dony, Fl. Bedfordshire: 437 (1953)

Year: 1953

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Catapodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Europe to Iran and Djibouti

Description

Fern grass, scientifically known as Catapodium rigidum, is a noteworthy member of the Poaceae family. This resilient plant has garnered interest due to its widespread distribution and distinctive characteristics. Originally described by the notable botanist J.G. Dony in his 1953 publication Flora of Bedfordshire, Fern grass offers an intriguing glimpse into the diversity of the grass family.

The natural habitat of Catapodium rigidum spans a vast geographical range. It is indigenous to regions including Macaronesia, a collection of North Atlantic archipelagos, and extends across Europe, reaching as far east as Iran and southwards to Djibouti. This wide distribution indicates the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and soil types, making it a fascinating subject of study for botanists and ecologists.

Fern grass is easily recognizable by its rigid, tufted leaves and compact growth form. These structural attributes allow it to thrive in diverse environments, from coastal to inland areas, often in conditions where other grasses might struggle. The plant’s ability to tolerate different environmental stresses speaks to its evolutionary success within its native and introduced ranges.

In terms of ecological significance, Catapodium rigidum plays a pivotal role in its ecosystems. Like other grasses, it helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion and providing habitat for various microfauna. Additionally, it is a durable and resilient vegetation component that supports local biodiversity.

Fern grass embodies a combination of resilience, adaptability, and ecological importance. Its broad habitat range and distinct characteristics make it a notable species within the Poaceae family. As researchers continue to study and understand this plant, it holds a valuable place in both scientific literature and natural ecosystems.

Common Names

Dan: bregnegræs, stivgræs
Deu: gemeines steifgras, gewöhnliches steifgras, steifgras
Fra: catapode rigide
Eng: fern grass, fern-grass, rigid-fescue, fern-grasses, hard grass
Nld: stijf hardgras
Swe: styvgröe
Cym: gwenithwellt caled, gweunwellt anhyblyg, peisgwellt caled
Nno: steingras
Nob: steingras
En: Fern grass, Fern-grass, Rigid-fescue, Fern-grasses, Hard grass
Da: Bregnegræs, Stivgræs
Nl: Stijf hardgras, Sijf Hardgras
Fr: Catapode rigide, Fétuque raide, Pâturin rigide, Pâturin-duret, Poil-de-loup, Catapodium raide, Desmazérie rigide, Scléropoa rigide
De: Gemeines Steifgras, Gewöhnliches Steifgras, Steifgras, Aufrechtes Steifgras
He: סיסן אשון
It: Logliarello ruderale
Nb: Steingras
Nn: Steingras
Sv: Styvgröe
Cy: Gwenithwellt Caled, Gweunwellt Anhyblyg, Peisgwellt Caled
: Ferngrass

Synonyms

• Festuca rigida ((L.) Raspail)
• Poa rigida (L.)
• Megastachya rigida ((L.) Roem. & Schult.)
• Desmazeria rigida ((L.) Tutin)
• Sclerochloa rigida ((L.) C.Presl)
• Scleropoa rigida ((L.) Griseb.)
• Synaphe rigida ((L.) Dulac)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Oman (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 22, 2019 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Alina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 22, 2019 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2019 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by mike (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Leo Giardi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (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.

Other

Taken May 29, 1886 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken May 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705228)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:395167-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Catapodium rigidum (L.) C.E.Hubb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]