Phalaris angusta

Phalaris angusta is a species of grass known by the common names timothy canarygrass and narrow canarygrass. It is native to the Americas, where it is most common in Chile and Argentina and can be found in northern South America and sections of the southwestern and southeastern United States. It is also known as an introduced species in Australia.[1] It grows in grassland, prairie, marshland, and other habitat.

Phalaris angusta
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Phalaris
Species:
P. angusta
Binomial name
Phalaris angusta

Description

Phalaris angusta is an annual grass reaching as much as 2.5 meters tall. The inflorescence is a narrow cylindrical spike of rough-haired, pointed spikelets.

Toxicity

Like some other Phalaris species, this grass is toxic to livestock. Calves that eat the grass develop neurological signs such as tremors and convulsions and gross examination of their brain tissue reveals large blue-green lesions.[2] Some cattle and sheep die suddenly after grazing in pastures of the grass, while some linger with signs of neurological compromise.[3]

References
  1. New South Wales Flora
  2. Sousa, R. S. & L. F. Irigoyen. (1999). Experimental poisoning by Phalaris angusta (Gramineae) in cattle. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 19 116-22. (Portuguese)
  3. Odriozola, E., et al. (1991). Neuropathological effects and deaths of cattle and sheep in Argentina from Phalaris angusta. Veterinary and Human Toxicology 43:5 465-7.


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