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Smith, R.W.

Schizachne purpurascens

Schizachne purpurascens (Torr.) Swallen

False Melic, Purple Oatgrass, Schizachn� Pourpr�

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Synonym(s): Avena torreyi, Melica purpurascens, Schizachne purpurascens var. pubescens, Schizachne stricta, Trisetum purpurascens

USDA Symbol: SCPU

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)

Schizachne is a monospecific genus that extends across North America in boreal regions and southwards in the montane areas, as well as from the Ural Mountains of Russia to Kamchatka and Japan.

From the Image Gallery

1 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Inflorescence: Panicle
Fruit Type: Caryopsis
Size Notes: Up to about 3-1/2 feet tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Bloom Notes: The flowers (florets) of grasses are usually minute and therefore inconspicuous.

Distribution

USA: AK , CO , CT , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MT , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , PA , RI , SD , UT , VA , VT , WI , WV , WY
Canada: NB , NL , NS , PE
Native Habitat: Moist, rocky northern hardwood and spruce forests.

Benefit

Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Northern Pearly-Eye butterfly (Enodia anthedon)

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Northern Pearly Eye
(Enodia anthedon)

Larval Host

Learn more at BAMONA

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FACU	FAC	FACU		FACU	FACU		FACU	FACU	UPL

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

Bibliography

Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Schizachne purpurascens in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Schizachne purpurascens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Schizachne purpurascens

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-07-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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