Junegrass
Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) J.A. Schult. f. (K. gracilis Pers., K. cristata Pers., K. nitida Nutt., K. pyramidata [Lam.] Beauv.)
overview
The seed head is a dense spike-like panicle, 3-10 cm long, often interrupted below. Spikelets usually two flowered, pale green or purple. Leaves to 4 mm wide, mainly basal, flat to rolled inward, bluish-green, distinctly ribbed and rough, folded at emergence with lower surface keeled; margins rough and translucent; sheath round, split and distinctly veined; ligule to 1 mm long, blunt or rounded, often split, usually hair fringed, collar medium-broad, yellowish green, continuous or divided, auricles absent. Whole plant hairy to varying degrees (Pahl and Smreciu, 1999). Photo by Toni Corelli.
family
Poaceae
ecological setting
Open woods and meadows.
soil texture
Light textured sandy soils (Hitchkock, 1971).
soil reaction salinity
Prefers moderately calcareous soils (Pahl and Smreciu, 1999).
successional status
Early pioneer on many disturbed sites (Pahl and Smreciu, 1999).
site rehabilitation
Useful land reclamation species. Recommended in many native seed mixes (Pahl and Smreciu, 1999).
wildlife
Good early season forage plant for cattle, elk and bighorn sheep (USDA, 1988).
landscaping
Attractive species. Could be used in combination with camas, satin flower and harvest broadiaea in beds and rockeries.
crop intervals
Junegrass produces seed in the second year (Rose et al., 1998).
no seeds per kg
+/- 5 million
collection and abstraction
No stratification required. Sow seed in the fall to a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 and cover with sawdust mulch (Rose et al., 1998).
vegetative propagation
Plant division in fall or early spring: Potentially useful technique but requires experimentation.
additional info and photos
For more information and pictures, visit the E-Flora BC website at www.eflora.bc.ca.