Sand Reedgrass (Calamovilfa longifolia var. magna)

Life history

Species overview

Sand Reedgrass (Calamovilfa longifolia var. magna), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found on Lake Michigan sand dunes. Blooming occurs early July through late September; fruiting occurs early August through late September. The optimal identification period for this species is early July through late September.

Synonyms: None

Identification

• Distinguishing characteristics: Large grass primarily of dunes with broad, open, spreading panicle (distinguishing it from the more tightly contracted panicle of C. longifolia var. longifolia) and numerous callus hairs on the lemma; leaves up to 12 mm wide with villous sheaths.
• Flower characteristics: Panicle 15 to 35 cm long, open, and spreading; floral spike 15 to 70 cm long, 1.3 to 6 times as long as wide, often broader than in other similar species.
• Fruit characteristics: Spikelets pale, 6 to 7 mm long; glumes acuminate, the first about 2 mm shorter than the second; lemma somewhat shorter than the second glume, glabrous, the callus hairs copious, more than half as long as the lemma.
• Leaf characteristics: Leaf blade up to 60 cm long and 12 mm wide; base of leaf sheaths wraps down around the stem for up to 15 cm and is densely covered in small hairs; sheaths usually more or less appressed-villous, especially near the summit; blades firm, elongate, flat or soon involute, tapering to a long fine point.

Phenology

• Blooming phenology: early July through late September
• Fruiting phenology: early August through late September
• Optimum time to identify: The optimal identification period for this species is early July through late September

Other

• Growth form: Graminoid
• Vegetative reproduction: Rhizomatous
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Comments: Associated Species: Ammophila breviligulata, Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus, Artemisia campestris, Juniperus horizontalis, Lathyrus japonicus.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Sand Reedgrass (Calamovilfa longifolia var. magna). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

• Habitat description: Found on Lake Michigan sand dunes.
• Soils: Sandy soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Sand Reedgrass. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Sand Reedgrass. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

• Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.
• Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

• Avoid disturbance to shorelines and the forest-beach interface.
• Avoid any activities which destabilize the dune, including the use of off-road vehicles, removal of native vegetation and pedestrian recreational overuse.

Other resources

Links to additional Sand Reedgrass information

Other links related to vascular plants (all exit the DNR website)

• Wisconsin Flora
• NatureServe Explorer
• Atlas of Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora - Wisconsin State Herbarium
• USDA - NRCS Plants Database
• USGS Midwestern Wetland Flora - field office guide to plant species
• eFloras
• Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Herbarium
• Intermountain Herbarium Grasses of North America
• Orchids of Wisconsin

Photos

Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use