Brachypodium pinnatum

tor-grass
heath false brome
Brachypodium pinnatum[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Brachypodium
Species: B. pinnatum
Binomial name
Brachypodium pinnatum
(L.) P.Beauv.

Brachypodium pinnatum, the heath false brome[2] or tor-grass, is a plant in the grass family, with a widespread distribution in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It typically grows in calcareous grassland, and reaches 70–120 centimetres (28–47 in) tall. The flowerhead is open, with 10 to 15 erect spikelets.

Distribution

The plant can be found in such US states as California, Massachusetts, and Oregon.[2]

Ecology

Blooming next to low garden wall

The caterpillars of some Lepidoptera use it as a foodplant, e.g. the Essex skipper (Thymelicus lineola). It is also one of the most important host grasses for Auchenorrhyncha in central Europe.[3]

See also

References

  1. painting by the Swedish botanist C. A. M. Lindman (1856–1928), taken from his book(s) Bilder ur Nordens Flora (first edition published 1901–1905, supplemented edition 1917–1926?).
  2. 1 2 "Brachypodium pinnatum". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
  3. Nickel, H. 2003. The leafhoppers and planthoppers of Germany (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha): Patterns and strategies in a highly diverse group of phytophagous insects. Sofia, Moscow: Pensoft and Keltern: Goecke & Evers.
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