Scolochloa

Description

Scolochloa is a genus of grasses that is commonly found in wet habitats such as marshes, swamps, and wet meadows. It is a small genus that consists of only two species, Scolochloa festucacea and Scolochloa pusilla. These grasses are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and are known for their ability to grow in wet and often nutrient-poor soils.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Liliopsida
Order	Poales
Family	Poaceae
Genus	Scolochloa

Appearance

Scolochloa grasses are typically small and low-growing, with a maximum height of around 50cm. They have narrow leaves that are usually less than 5mm wide, and the stems are often reddish-brown in color. The flowers of Scolochloa are typically arranged in spikelets, and the seeds are small and often hairy.

Care Guide

When growing Scolochloa, it is important to provide adequate water and ensure that the soil is kept moist. These grasses prefer soils that are nutrient-poor, so fertilization should be kept to a minimum. Scolochloa can tolerate a range of light levels, but it prefers partial shade. These grasses are hardy to USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Scolochloa is generally not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal infections in overly wet conditions.

Habitat

Scolochloa grasses are commonly found in wet habitats such as marshes, swamps, and wet meadows. They are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Scolochloa tolerate drought conditions?

A: No, Scolochloa prefers moist soils and may not survive in drought conditions.

Q: Are there any specific soil requirements for growing Scolochloa?

A: Scolochloa prefers nutrient-poor soils that are moist and well-draining.

Q: How often should Scolochloa be fertilized?

A: Fertilization should be kept to a minimum with Scolochloa, as it prefers nutrient-poor soils.

Q: What is the maximum height of Scolochloa?

A: Scolochloa typically grows to a maximum height of around 50cm.

Related Plants

Other grasses that are commonly found in wet habitats include:

• Carex
• Juncus
• Phalaris
• Poa

References

• Flora of North America North of Mexico. Vol. 25: Magnoliophyta: Commelinidae (in part): Poaceae, part 2. Oxford University Press. 2003.
• USDA Plants Database. Scolochloa.
• Flora of China. Vol. 22: Poaceae. Science Press. 2006.