Bristly Speargrass

Piptochaetium fuscum

Native to:
Chile
Bristly Speargrass

Robert Steers/NPS

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Piptochaetium
Species:
Piptochaetium fuscum
USDA Symbol:
PIFU2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base following fire; typical of fire-adapted prairie and grassland bunchgrasses.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI