Sorghastrum elliottii
| Sorghastrum elliottii | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
| Genus: | Sorghastrum |
| Species: | S. elliottii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Sorghastrum elliottii | |
Sorghastrum elliottii, commonly referred to as slender Indiangrass, is a species of perennial graminoid found in North America.[1]
Description
Sorghastrum elliottii possesses culms that range in height from 0.4 to 2 m (1.3 to 6.6 ft) and scaberulous blades that reach a length of up 60 cm (24 in) and a width of 10 mm (0.4 in). Sheaths are normally glabrous with scarious margins.[2]
The panicles are elongated with smooth, purplish rachis and peduncles that range in length from 1 to 20 mm (0.04 to 0.79 in). Spikelets occur in pairs; they are ovoid in shape and are between 5 and 8 mm (0.2 and 0.3 in) in length. When grain is produced it is reddish in color, 2.5 to 3 mm (0.10 to 0.12 in) in length, and ellipsoid to obovoid in shape.[2]
This species possesses fibrous roots.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Within the United States, S. elliottii may be found in the southeastern region of the country, its range stretching from Maryland south to Florida and westward to Texas.[4] It has been observed as far north as Indiana.[5]
This species may be found in habitats such as in river-scour environments, as well as forests and woodlands.[4]
References
- ^ Weakley, Alan S. (2015). Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States. University of North Carolina Herbarium.
- ^ a b Radford, Albert E.; Ahles, Harry E.; Bell, C. Ritchie (21 December 1968). Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press. ISBN 978-0807810873.
- ^ "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
- ^ a b "Sorghastrum elliottii (Slender Indiangrass) - FSUS". fsus.ncbg.unc.edu. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
- ^ "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2025-10-20.