Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Poales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
gayanus
ID:
875167

Status:
valid

Authors:
Boiss.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1842

Citation Micro:
Voy. Bot. Espagne 2: 637 (1842)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000874502

Common Names

  • Gay's Holcus
  • Gay's Velvet Grass
  • Gay's Velvetgrass

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Description

Holcus gayanus (also called Gay's Velvet Grass, among many other common names) is a perennial grass native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It grows in meadows, pastures, and other areas with moist soil. It has a tufted habit and grows to a height of 40 cm. Its leaves are flat, soft, and hairy, and its flowers are small and white.

Uses & Benefits

Holcus gayanus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a forage crop for livestock, and as a soil stabilizer in areas prone to erosion.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Holcus gayanus is a small, yellow spikelet, with awns that are slightly curved and hairy. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped grain. The seedlings are slender and have a tuft of hairs at the tip.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Holcus gayanus is a short-lived perennial grass that grows in clumps. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is done by seed or division of the clumps. The clumps can be divided in early spring and the sections planted in the desired location.

Where to Find Holcus gayanus

Holcus gayanus can be found in Europe and Asia. It is found in meadows, pastures, and roadsides.

Holcus gayanus FAQ

What type of soil does Holcus gayanus prefer?

Holcus gayanus prefers moist, well-drained soils.

What is the average height of Holcus gayanus?

Holcus gayanus typically grows to a height of 10-20 cm.

What is the average lifespan of Holcus gayanus?

Holcus gayanus typically has a lifespan of 2-3 years.

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

Edmond Boissier (1810-1885): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Boiss.' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:405024-1: 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].