Prairie grass (Sphenopholis obtusata, Rhodora 8: 144 (1906))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Michx.) Scribn.

Bibliography: Rhodora 8: 144 (1906)

Year: 1906

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sphenopholis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Hawaiian Is., Canada to Mexico, Hispaniola

Description

Prairie Grass: A Comprehensive Overview

Prairie grass, scientifically known as Sphenopholis obtusata, is a noteworthy species within the Poaceae family. This resilient grass has a native range that spans from the verdant landscapes of Canada down to the diverse terrains of Mexico, and it is also observed in the Hawaiian Islands and Hispaniola. The grass’s adaptability to various environments illustrates its robust nature and capacity to thrive under diverse climatic conditions.

First described in-depth in 1906 within the pages of Rhodora, this grass has garnered attention for its practical applications and ecological value. Prairie grass plays a pivotal role in both natural and managed ecosystems. As a vital forage species, it supports a multitude of herbivores, contributing to the stability and productivity of grassland habitats.

The species is notable for its adaptable growth patterns, making it an essential component of prairie restoration projects and soil conservation efforts. Its root systems help in preventing soil erosion, enhancing soil structure, and contributing to the overall health of the prairie ecosystem.

From an ecological perspective, Sphenopholis obtusata provides essential services, such as carbon sequestration and supporting biodiversity. The grass demonstrates a profound affinity for coexisting with a variety of flora and fauna, thereby fostering a balanced and resilient environment.

In understanding prairie grass, one appreciates not just a plant, but a crucial element of our natural heritage with significant ecological, agricultural, and environmental value. Whether restoring native prairies or supporting wildlife, Sphenopholis obtusata stands as a testament to the enduring vitality of grassland ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: prairie grass, prairie wedge grass, wedge grass, prairie wedgegrass, prairie wedgescale
Fra: sphénopholis obtus, sphénopholis obtuse
En: Prairie grass, Prairie wedge grass, Wedge grass, Prairie wedgescale, PRAIRIE WEDGEGRASS
Fr: Sphénopholis obtus, Sphénopholis obtuse

Synonyms

• Aira truncata (Muhl.)
• Festuca obtusata ((Michx.) P.Beauv.)
• Eatonia obtusata var. laxiflora (Gatt.)
• Airopsis obtusata ((Michx.) Desv.)
• Eatonia annua (Suksd.)
• Poa obtusata ((Michx.) Link)
• Trisetum lobatum (Trin.)
• Eatonia pubescens (Scribn. & Merr.)
• Eatonia robusta (Rydb.)
• Aira obtusata (Michx.)
• Eatonia obtusata var. robusta (Vasey ex L.H.Dewey)
• Aira mexicana (Trin. ex E.Fourn.)
• Reboulea truncata (Torr. ex Munro)
• Sphenopholis annua ((Suksd.) A.Heller)
• Reboulea obtusata var. pubescens ((Scribn. & Merr.) Farw.)
• Reboulea obtusata var. lobata ((Trin.) Farw.)
• Reboulea obtusata ((Michx.) A.Gray)
• Koeleria paniculata (Nutt.)
• Graphephorum densiflorum (E.Fourn.)
• Koeleria lobata (Steud.)
• Agrostis obtusata (Steud.)
• Sphenopholis pubescens ((Scribn. & Merr.) A.Heller)
• Reboulea gracilis (Kunth)
• Eatonia obtusata ((Michx.) A.Gray)
• Eatonia densiflora (E.Fourn.)
• Eatonia obtusata var. purpurascens (Rydb. & Shear)
• Koeleria truncata ((Muhl.) Torr.)
• Sphenopholis obtusata var. pubescens ((Scribn. & Merr.) B.L.Rob.)
• Aira obtusa (Raf.)
• Sphenopholis obtusata var. lobata ((Trin.) B.L.Rob.)
• Sphenopholis robusta ((Vasey ex L.H.Dewey) A.Heller)
• Koeleria obtusata (Trin. ex Steud.)
• Sphenopholis obtusata subsp. lobata ((Trin.) Scribn.)
• Sphenopholis obtusata f. purpurascens ((Rydb. & Shear) Waterf.)
• Sphenopholis obtusata subsp. pubescens ((Scribn. & Merr.) Scribn.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Hawaii (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Japan (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)

Additional Images

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

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Sep 14, 2008 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2009 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 20, 2009 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Apr 10, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Apr 10, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 10, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Apr 10, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703349)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:242045-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sphenopholis obtusata (Michx.) Scribn.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.0