Redtop

Poaceae

LIFE FORM: Perennial

NATIVITY: Eurasia

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

Can grow to several feet tall when in bloom; a sod-former that spreads by vigorous rhizomes.

FLOWERS:

A large, open panicle which turns reddish or purple.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Seeds self-sow from established plants.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

Trampled lawns in public parks; minimally maintained public parks and open space; abandoned grasslands (meadows); unmowed highway banks and median strips with frequent salt applications.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Salt tolerance along roadways; drought tolerance on compacted soils; erosion control on slopes.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This species is usually added to lawn mixes for diversity, but has escaped to become part of the urban flora. Used for forage for domestic animals. Introduced as an ornamental species.