Status:
valid
Authors:
Clayton
Source:
wcs
Year:
1977
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 32: 2 (1977)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000847957
Common Names
- Anthephora Pungens
- Pungens's Anthephora
- Pungens Anthephora
Description
Anthephora pungens (also called Prickly Hairgrass, among many other common names) is a perennial grass native to North America. It is a tufted grass with short, stiff, prickly leaves. It typically grows in dry, sandy soils and is often found in dry grasslands and savannas.
Uses & Benefits
Anthephora pungens is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and is also used for medicinal purposes. It is known for its ability to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, and can be used as a natural insect repellent.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Anthephora pungens is a small, white, star-shaped flower with yellow anthers. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, dark green, and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Anthephora pungens is a perennial plant that can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate some drought and is moderately salt tolerant. It can be pruned to keep it in shape and can be divided every few years to keep it healthy.
Where to Find Anthephora pungens
Anthephora pungens is native to the Mediterranean region, from Portugal and Morocco to Turkey, and in the Canary Islands.
Anthephora pungens FAQ
What is the common name of Anthephora pungens?
Prickly beardgrass
What is the scientific name of Anthephora pungens?
Anthephora pungens
What is the habitat of Anthephora pungens?
Anthephora pungens is found in dry, open areas such as grasslands, scrublands, and rocky slopes.
Species in the Anthephora genus
Anthephora ampullacea,
Anthephora argentea,
Anthephora cristata,
Anthephora elongata,
Anthephora hermaphrodita,
Anthephora laevis,
Anthephora nigritana,
Anthephora pubescens,
Anthephora pungens,
Anthephora schinzii,
Anthephora truncata,
Species in the Poaceae family
Achnatherum pekinense,
Achnatherum pubicalyx,
Achnatherum sibiricum,
Achnatherum turcomanicum,
Achnatherum brandisii,
Achnatherum bromoides,
Achnatherum calamagrostis,
Achnatherum confusum,
Achnatherum inebrians,
Achnatherum jacquemontii,
Achnatherum virescens,
Achnatherum paradoxum,
Achnatherum nakaii,
Achnatherum pelliotii,
Achnatherum haussknechtii,
Achnatherum mandavillei,
Achnatherum pilosum,
Achnatherum parviflorum,
Achnatherum staintonii,
Aciachne acicularis,
Aciachne flagellifera,
Aciachne pulvinata,
Acidosasa breviclavata,
Acidosasa brilletii,
Acidosasa chinensis,
Acidosasa edulis,
Acidosasa glauca,
Acidosasa guangxiensis,
Acidosasa lingchuanensis,
Acidosasa nanunica,
Acidosasa notata,
Acidosasa purpurea,
Acidosasa venusta,
Acidosasa carinata,
Acostia gracilis,
Acrachne henrardiana,
Acrachne perrieri,
Acrachne racemosa,
Acritochaete volkensii,
Acroceras amplectens,
Acroceras attenuatum,
Acroceras boivinii,
Acroceras bosseri,
Acroceras calcicola,
Acroceras chaseae,
Acroceras diffusum,
Acroceras elegans,
Acroceras excavatum,
Acroceras fluminense,
Acroceras gabunense,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:388879-1: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].