Stipa gigantea

Stipa gigantea
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Monocots
Clade:Commelinids
Order:Poales
Family:Poaceae
Subfamily:Pooideae
Genus:Stipa
Species: S. gigantea
Binomial name
Stipa gigantea

Stipa gigantea, commonly called giant feather grass, giant needle grass, or golden oats, is a bunchgrass in the genus Stipa, native to southern Europe. It occurs in Spain and other Mediterranean countries.[1]

Description

Stipa gigantea has leaf blades that are narrow and gray-green, creating a bunchgrass foliage mass 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) in diameter. It is evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate.[2]

The plant has prominent flower spikes emerging silver-laveneder in the late spring, aging to a radiant golden over the summer, and persisting in tan into winter. The spikes typically grow to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, rising high above the foliage.[1][2]

Cultivation

Stipa gigantea is grown as an ornamental grass for planting as single specimens and massed drifts in parks, public landscapes, and gardens.[1] It is used in drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate—plant palette gardens.[2]

The tall golden flower spikes are attractive on the plant, especially radiant when backlit by the sun.[3] They may also be used for dried flowers.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Fine Gardening Plant Guide: Stipa gigantea (Giant feather grass, Golden oats) . accessed 6.26.2012
  2. 1 2 3 San Marcos Growers: Stipa gigantea (Giant Needle Grass) . accessed 6.26.2012
  3. ↑ Perennials.com: Plant Profile for Stipa gigantea - Giant Feather Grass . accessed 6.26.2012
  4. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Stipa gigantea". Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  • European Garden Flora, volume II.


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