Grasses & Cattails
Notable native plants of the Northwest Pioneers Greenway
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Common name: Big bluestem (Turkey foot) Scientific name: Andropogon gerardii Description: Tall perennial grass (100-150cm) growing in clumps. Flower heads are 5-10cm long, purplish and resemble a turkey foot. Habitat and distribution: Common in remnant prairies Flowering Season: July-September Location on NPG: Common in no-mow areas along the trail. |
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Common name: Needle and thread grass (Spear grass) Scientific name: Stipa comata Description: Tufted perennial grass 30-60cm in height with long seed awns. Habitat and distribution: Native prairie / uncommon Flowering season: July - August Location on NPG: Between Springfield and Douglas Ave. on Raleigh side of trail. |
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Common name: Little bluestem Scientific name: Schizachyrium scoparium Description: Densely tufted grass 30-70cm tall. Becomes red-tinged in July and August Habitat and distribution: Dry native prairie / locally rare. Flowering season: July - September Location on NPG: Near Concordia Ave. on Gateway side of trail. |
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Common name: Green needle grass Scientific name: Stipa viridula Description: Cool season clump forming grass 30-60cm tall. Habitat and distribution: Native prairie / rare Flowering season: May - June Location on NPG: Between Springfield and Douglas Ave. on Raleigh side of trail. Also near Concordia Ave. |
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Common name: Common Cattail Scientific name: Typha latifolia Description: Aquatic perennial 1-2m high. Leaves greyish green, grass-like in appearance. Female flowers are very tiny and arranged in a dense, brown, cylindrical spike with a yellowish tip of male flowers. Fruit; Achenes with slender hairs to allow for floatation. Habitat and distribution: Ponds, marshes, ditches and standing water / Common Flowering season: May - July Location on NPG: Widespread in areas with sufficient moisture |