It is known that feather grass is a steppe plant. What is feather grass and what does it look like? Limiting factors and threats

feather grass

feather feather grass, or Feather grass of John, Volosatik(Stipa pennata, Stipa joannis)

A species of herbs from the genus Feather grass of the Poaceae family.

The plant received its specific epithet for the soft hairs resembling feathers that cover its long spine.

Plants are 30-80 cm tall. Leaf blades are flat or folded lengthwise, up to 0.2 cm wide; leaf tongues of vegetative shoots are 0.8-3 mm long.

The lower flower scales are 1.4-2 cm long, with a marginal strip of hairs 0.3-0.6 cm short of the base of the awns; The awns are 30-40 cm long, twice geniculate, bare and smooth in the lower part, with hairs about 0.5 cm in the upper part. Forming characteristic long white “feathers”.

feather grass

Blooms in late spring-early summer.

Feather grass in the past was a very characteristic plant of the Russian steppes. Currently, due to the plowing of the black soil steppes, the number of its populations has been greatly reduced.

The plant needs to preserve its habitats and prohibit the collection of awns, which are used for decorative purposes.

In gardens it is used in small groups in sunny, dry places.

feather grass

Prefers well-drained, loose, non-acidic soils. Does not tolerate waterlogging.

Plants cannot tolerate high groundwater levels and excessive moisture.

Prefer full sun.

Winter-hardy without shelter. Propagated by seeds and dividing the bush in spring.

Used for dry bouquets.

feather grass

Good for creating masses, extremely decorative in single plantings.

Individual plants or small groups will fit well in rock gardens and alpine hills among other low, drought-resistant plants.

Landing: Before winter, or early spring.

When sowing in spring, seed stratification is necessary.

May - in open ground, nests of 3-4 seeds.

2-4 weeks after germination, the plants are thinned out to a distance of 15-20 cm from each other, then fed every 2 weeks.

STATUS OF THE SPECIES IN OTHER REGIONS ANDON THE COUNTRY'S TERRITORY

Taken under protection in the regions: Bryansk (1), Kaluga (1), Kurgan (2), Kursk (3), Lipetsk (2), Moscow (2), Nizhny Novgorod (B2), Orenburg (3), Oryol (3) , Penza (3), Samara (5B), Saratov (2), Tambov (2), Tula (3), Ulyanovsk (2), Chelyabinsk (3) regions; Republics of Mordovia (2), Tatarstan (3), Udmurtia (3), Chuvash (1), Perm Territory (3), etc. Federal level of protection.

DESCRIPTION

Feather feather grass is a perennial dense turf plant 30-100 cm high. The leaves are 0.5-2.5 mm wide, flat or folded lengthwise, glabrous on the outside, covered with short spines on the inside. Single-flowered spikelets are collected in a narrow panicle. The awn of the lower lemma is long (25-40 cm), geniculately curved, pinnately pubescent in the upper half. The strip of hairs along the edge of the lower flower scale does not reach the base of the awn by 3-6 mm. The fruit is a grain.

BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OF THE SPECIES

According to the rhythm of seasonal development, feather grass is classified as an early flowering plant. In the conditions of the Ryazan region, it blooms from late May to mid-June, the fruits ripen in late June and early July. During fruiting, feather grass creates an aspect in some steppe areas. Propagated exclusively by seeds. The grains germinate in the spring of next year. The maximum age of a turf-clone reaches 70-75 years.

One of the most mesophytic feather grasses, it serves as an indicator of meadow-steppe moisture conditions. Ecologically, the most plastic type of feather grass. It can live both on rich chernozem soils and on sand along the edges of steppe forests, on light chestnut soils. Sensitive to trampling. According to Tsyganov, the species is stenovalent according to 3 factors: the general thermoregime of the climate (u.o.r. nemoral and intermediate between nemoral and sub-Mediterranean), climate humidity (u.o.r. subarid), variability of soil moisture (u.o.r. . intermediate between weakly variable and moderately variable moisture); according to other factors it is mesovalent.

SPREADING

Feather feather grass has the most extensive range among feather grasses. Its main part is in the forest-steppe regions of Europe, Western and Eastern Siberia (up to the Transbaikal steppes), Central and Asia Minor, and the Mediterranean. In Central Russia, the northern border of the range runs along the Oka in the Kaluga, Moscow, and Ryazan regions, and along the Volga in the Nizhny Novgorod region. In the Ryazan region, it was found in more than 40 locations in Zakharovsky, Korablinsky, Miloslavsky, Mikhailovsky, Pronsky, Ryazhsky, Ryazansky, Saraevsky, Starozhilovsky, Skopinsky, Sapozhkovsky, Saraevsky, Sasovo, Ukholovsky, Shatsky districts.

NUMBER AND NEGATIVE IMPACT FACTORS, THREATS

Feather grass is one of the most common feather grass species in the southern regions of the Ryazan region. Relatively large populations (up to 1-5 hectares) are preserved in the Miloslavsky, Mikhailovsky, Sasovo and Shatsky districts. In other known locations the species is represented by small populations.

A large population remains stably in the Miloslavsky district in the valley of the river. Panic (in its lower reaches), where the species grows in several areas. On the southern slope of the right bank of the river. Panic per 1 m 2 there are up to 6-7 large and up to 10-15 young clumps, especially where there was a fall along the slope in the spring and a bald patch formed. In the river valley The Kochurovka population occupies an area of ​​more than 1.5 hectares, the species is actively spreading to the fallow land (observations by M.V. Kazakova, 2009); first observations in the lower reaches of the river. Kochurovka were made in 1969 by N. Grishina and E.G. Gushchina.

30-year observations carried out by S.P. Vasiliev, showed that small populations are stably maintained in the Ryazan region along the slope of the ravine north of the village. Bezlychnoe, in the Starozhilovsky district in the valley of the river. Istya. The species has been stable in the Mikhailovsky district for the past 60 years. Observations carried out from 2005 to 2010 by E.V. Savostyanova, in three areas south of the city of Mikhailov, revealed a gradual expansion of the area of ​​local populations from 250-300 m 2 to 500-600 m 2. The number of individuals increased from 1-6 to 6-23 clumps per 1 m2.

Previously, it was assumed that the feather feather grass had disappeared from the vegetation of the Konobeevskaya gully in the Shatsk region. However, in 2010 M.V. Kazakova discovered a large population (about 2 hectares) on the western outskirts of the village. Polnoe Konobeevo. Kovyl occupies the high indigenous bank of the river. The Tsna, as well as the lower reaches of the ravine, aspect the view in places. The maintenance of populations is probably associated in some cases with regular exposure to fires. The same trend was noted in the river valley. Ranova in the Korablinsky district (population area about 600 m2).

The growth of the species in the ravine near the village has not been confirmed. Poyarkovo (Mikhailovsky district) and along the slope of a ravine in the Kurbatovskaya dubrava tract, where it was noted by E.G. Gushchina more than 30 years ago.

Observations over the past 25 years have shown that there is no reduction in the number of the species in the Ryazan region, and in a number of places it actively occupies the outskirts of old deposits. In general, their condition is stable.

On the northern edge of the forest-steppe, the species is confined to slope relief forms of southern (southeastern, southwestern) exposure. The steppe vegetation on them was maintained by the traditional agricultural regime (moderate grazing, haymaking). A complete cessation of the use of meadow-steppe areas due to a strong reduction in the number of livestock leads to bushing and meadowing of vegetation, which negatively affects the state of populations of steppe plants. No negative impact of spring fires on the state of populations was detected.

SECURITY MEASURES TAKEN AND REQUIRED

Feather grass is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and many regional red books. In the Ryazan region, it was taken under protection in 1977. It is protected on the territory of 9 natural monuments (Forest-steppe ravine Kovylnya, Tract Mirrors, Kochurovskie rocks, Zavidovo valley complex, Tract Salaryevskoe, Malaya oakbrava, Temgenevsky limestones, Sentsovsky limestones, Starozhilovskaya forest-steppe) and 5 reserves ( Lubyanskoye fortification, Slopes of the left bank of the Pronya River, Miloslavl forest-steppe, Forest-steppe tract Knyazhoye, Izheslavl fortification). At the latitude of the Ryazan region and to the north, feather grass is kept in cultivation when optimal soil and ground conditions are created. For about 25 years, the species was cultivated in the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University, where it was brought along with soil monoliths from the Central Black Earth Nature Reserve.

Information sources:

1. Red books of regions; 2. Red Book of the Russian Federation, 2008; 3. Bedanokova et al., 1975; 4. Tsyganov, 1983; 5. Observations of M.V. Kazakova, E.V. Biryukova, S.P. Vasilyeva, A.V. Vodorezova, L.F. Volosnovoy, E.V. Savostyanova and others; 6. Herbarium materials RSU, MW.

One of the representatives of cereal perennial plants is feather grass (photo can be seen in the article below).

There are about 80 species of feather grass in Russia, although there are many more around the globe - about 300.

Full description

The plant lives in desert and steppe areas. It is distinguished by an erect stem and narrow leaves located along it.

Membranous ears can reach 25mm in height. The spread of the grass occurs naturally, that is, the seeds are carried by the wind over quite long distances.

At night, with the appearance of dew, the feather grass closes. The spiral-shaped lower knee unfolds, bending the stem to the soil. This leads to the grain being screwed into the ground.

When the sun rises, it returns to its original state, but does not leave the ground. This is due to the presence of bristles on the grain, which cling to the soil surface.

Varieties

Grass has several types, each of which is worth considering in more detail.

1. feather grass

A perennial plant with bare shield-shaped leaves framed by a brush of hairs at the end. The height of the feathery awns can vary between 20-40 cm. Flowering occurs at the end of May - beginning of June.

1. Feather grass

The plant reaches 40-100cm. It is distinguished by greenish-gray, hard, tube-shaped leaves. The average length of the hairy awn is approximately 16 cm. The plant blooms in May-June.

1. Feather grass

This type of feather grass can be found exclusively in the steppes. The stems have pubescence under the nodes and grow from 30-80 cm. The leaves, framed by small long hairs, have a diameter of up to 0.2 cm when folded. The height of the awn does not exceed 45 cm. Flowering time May-June.

1. Far Eastern feather grass

Feather grass grows in the Far Eastern steppes, China, Eastern Siberia and Japan. This species differs from others in its height and grandeur. Its length can reach 1.8 m. The grass is erect, has openwork leaves with a shiny surface, the width of which is up to 3 m, and the height of the axes can be up to 0.5 m.

1. Feather grass is beautiful

The plant can be found in stony, steppe and rocky places in Europe, the Caucasus, Asia and western Siberia. The grass reaches a height of no more than 70 cm. It has dark green leaves and the length of the feathery spines is about 30 m. The feather hair is about 30 mm.

note: In ancient times, feather grass is surrounded by many superstitions. It is considered a symbol of loneliness. This is due to the fact that it was during its flowering period that many raids occurred, which entailed the death of men and the theft of children.

This is only a small part of the varieties that can be found in the vastness of Russia.

Growing with seeds

According to gardeners, it is better to propagate feather grass by dividing the bush. However, if this is not possible, there is the option of growing from seeds.

To increase the chances of seed germination, you need to stock up on soil. There are no special requirements for it, since the grass is quite unpretentious. Sowing is done in early March directly into cups or special containers. For each seed, it is worth selecting a separate container initially.

It is important to know: the plant has a vulnerable root system, so replanting can have a detrimental effect on it.

Seeds are planted at a shallow depth. With moderate soil moisture, you will be able to observe the first shoots within a few days. With the onset of warming (around the beginning of May), the feather grass is ready to be transplanted into open ground.

Rules of care

Feather grass is not picky about care, so it is enough to rid the soil around it of weeds. In addition, the plant calmly tolerates dry weather, so it does not require frequent watering and fertilizing.

It will take root well in a sunny area. To ensure successful grass growth, you can mix the soil with a small amount of lime.

Plants that are too dense can be divided in spring. This way you will make its flowering more spectacular and multiply the crop.

Since grass is an evergreen plant, the period of winter cold in the middle zone is impossible for it. To preserve the feather grass, it should be carefully transplanted into a container and moved to a room with a stable positive temperature.

Application in landscape

Natural beauty and pickiness allows you to grow feather grass in garden plots and flower beds, creating intricate compositions. A dense wall of grass looks great when combined with other grains.

The plant will be an excellent backdrop for wildflowers and will fit perfectly into rose gardens, highlighting the beauty and bright color of roses. If on your site there is an artificial pond framed, then the feather grass will look advantageous along the path leading to it.

Grass planted along the perimeter of the fence looks no less beautiful, filling all the gaps in the fence and creating the feeling of an enclosed space.

If you are planning to plant in your garden, do not ignore feather grass. It will add zest in combination with dwarf coniferous trees.

Despite the fact that the plant is considered a steppe plant, it is loved by many gardeners and is successfully used by them in landscape design.

Watch the following video about the beneficial properties of feather grass:

Feather grass is a rare plant. This is a perennial grass of the Poa family (cereals), growing in the wild in southern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. In total, about three hundred species are known, in our region there are about 80 of them.

Types of feather grass

Feather grass is a perennial grass that grows in the steppes. The beautiful feather grass blooms for about a month, starting from the end of May. Prefers to grow in well-lit areas. Easily tolerates drought. The feather grass root, unlike many cereals, does not form creeping shoots. Feather grass differs from other cereals in that its grain is located in the lower scales with a sharp apex. The bristles on the axis are directed in the direction opposite to the awn, which is twisted in the form of a spiral.

Types of feather grass:

• Pinnate is often grown in gardens and is widely used in garden decoration. It has smooth leaves that end in a tuft of hairs. The awns are long, reaching 40 cm.
• The hairworm differs in the color and shape of the leaves. They have a grayish tint. Each leaf is rolled into a tube. The awns are fleecy, rather short, up to 18 cm. Feather grass grows up to 80 cm in height.
• In the wild, pubescent feather grass grows not only in the steppe, but also on rocks. The stem under each node is covered with a pubescence. The leaves are twisted into a tube with a diameter of up to 2 mm. They are covered with thin soft bristles. The length of the awn is up to 41 cm.
• Far Eastern grows in Siberia, Japan, China. The height of the plant is 180 cm. This is the tallest type of feather grass. Its leaves are wide, shiny, reaching 3 cm in width. The awns are long, up to half a meter.
• The thinnest is grown as an annual plant because it can withstand temperatures from 15 to 25 degrees. Originally from Mexico. The feather grass leaves of this variety are hard and the spikelets are whitish. Height up to 80 cm.
• The most beautiful reaches a height of 40-80 cm.

Beautiful feather grass: description

It is not without reason that this type of feather grass is called the most beautiful. During flowering, it amazes with its iridescent strands. The most beautiful feather grass is distinguished by its pubescent spikelet awns. During flowering, several silky threads appear from the panicle. They move smoothly downward, causing the plant to look like a pillow.

If a flowering plant is located nearby, it seems as if it is shrouded in a cloud of smoke.

Features of the structure:

• The most beautiful feather grass is a turf plant with a large number of stems. They are smooth and erect. Sometimes pubescent under the nodes.
• The basal leaves are dark green, narrow, long, straight. Hairless on top.
• The stem leaves are short, most often folded along their length, sometimes flat, up to 60 cm long, covered with small spines and fine hairs.
• The inflorescences of the most beautiful feather grass are racemose panicles. They look compact and compressed. The length of the spine is up to 30 cm, the hairs of the edge reach 3 mm.

The growing area of ​​the most beautiful feather grass is the rocky areas of southern Europe (Crimea), Western Siberia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. He is able to climb to the top zone in the mountains. Withstands frosts down to -23 °C.

It belongs to the “Vulnerable” category because the number of beautiful feather grass is declining due to intensive economic use. This is the construction of various plants and pipelines, planting pine trees and other conifers. In the mountains, forest encroaches on steppe areas, which also leads to a reduction in the feather grass population. The plant is included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. Not included in the IUCN Red List.

To grow beautiful feather grass, you need to have seed material. Feather grass is propagated by seeds, like any cereals. In the wild, the wind carries the grain long distances from the parent plant. This is facilitated by the feathery-pubescent networks in which it is hidden. They are picked up by the wind and carried several meters. They reach the ground a certain time after they land. After all, there is a lot of old grass and leaves around.

At night, under the influence of evening dew, the spiral-shaped knee swells, unfolds, and part of the spine is pressed to the ground. The grain is screwed into the soil. In the morning the knee curls, the stem unbends, but the grain cannot rise up. She is prevented from doing this by the bristles, which cling to the soil like an arrow. It remains in the soil where it will germinate over time.

When grown at home, propagation by seeds is used.

The most beautiful feather grass does not reproduce by self-sowing. Its seeds will not germinate near the mother plant. Doesn't like transplantation. It survives very poorly after it. It can grow in one place for up to 10 years.

Features of cultivation:

• 1-2 months. After the sprouts appear, they are immediately planted in a permanent place. Planting time is mid-May to late June.
• You can sow seeds in the ground before winter. But in severe frosts they may not germinate.
• Feather grass is sown in the driest area, where there is never flooding with groundwater. If there is no such area on the territory, you can arrange drainage and create a high ridge.
• The beautiful feather grass prefers gypsum or limestone soil. Therefore, when sowing, you need to add a little lime to ordinary garden soil. Humus and sand are added.
• It is necessary to moisten the soil in which the feather grass is sown only at the beginning, until it germinates. Then they are grown without watering. Excess moisture is harmful to feather grass. It reacts especially poorly to stagnant moisture near the roots. In this case, he dies.

Care consists of weeding, which can choke the young plant. Later, when it grows, it is not afraid of weeds. Sometimes around the plant. This is done rather to prevent the weeds from breaking through. There is no need to feed the beautiful feather grass. This can only be shown if the plant is damaged by pests. In late autumn, faded shoots are cut off, leaving leaves.

Beautiful feather grass is used to create dry bouquets. It does not lose its attractiveness throughout autumn and winter. Not everyone will decide to place them in their home because of the bad beliefs associated with this plant. Installed in office premises, they look original and beautiful.

The raw materials of feather grass contain valuable biologically active substances. Trigdoquinine is considered one of the most valuable. Feather feather grass contains especially a lot of it. In small quantities, these substances soothe and relieve pain.

More information can be found in the video:

feather grass, or Feather grass of Ioanna(lat. Stipa pennata from lat. pennatus- feather) - a type of grass from the genus Feather grass of the Cereals family ( Poaceae). The plant received its specific epithet for the soft hairs resembling feathers that cover its long spine.

Range and habitat

The plant is widespread in the steppes of Russia and Kazakhstan; also, individual small islands are found in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia on the warm southern slopes.

Usage

This species is often grown in gardens as an ornamental plant.

Botanical classification

Subspecies

• Stipa pennata subsp. pennata
• Stipa pennata subsp. sabulosa (Pacz.) Tzvelev (1973)- Sandy feather grass

Synonyms

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Notes

Literature

• Gubanov, I. A. et al. 213. Stipa pennata L. ( S. joannisČelak.) - Feather grass // . - M.: Scientific T. ed. KMK, Institute of Technology. research, 2002. - T. 1. Ferns, horsetails, club mosses, gymnosperms, angiosperms (monocots). - P. 307. - ISBN 8-87317-091-6.
• Tsvelev, N. N. Stipa pennata L. - Feather feathers // / Rep. ed. An. A. Fedorov. - L.: Science, 1976. - P. 590-591. - 788 p. - 2900 copies.

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