Stipa capillata

Stipa capillata L. is a perennial bunchgrass species in the family Poaceae, native to Europe and Asia.

S. capillata is a tall steppe grass characterized by its fine, convolute leaves and long, roughened awns. It typically grows in dry, open habitats and is easily recognized by its delicate panicles and glumes that tapers gradually to a narrow tip (attenuate).

Description

Stems reach 20–70(–100) cm in height, with convolute leaves. The lower leaf surface is glabrous but often roughened (tuberculate‑scabrid), while the upper surface bears short hairs up to 6 mm. Leaf sheaths are smooth and longer than the internodes; ligules measure 1–2(–3) mm on basal leaves and 15–20 mm on upper leaves. The panicle is lax with numerous spikelets. Glumes are 25–35 mm and long‑attenuate, lemmas 10–12(–14) mm with a ventral line of hairs reaching the awn base, and awns 12–18(–23) cm, slightly roughened (scabrid).

Distribution and habitat

Stipa capillata is native to southern, south‑central, and southeastern Europe, extending eastward into Russia, Central Asia, and parts of East Asia. It also occurs in the Middle East and western Himalayas. The species has been introduced into the Baltic States. The distribution is summarized in the table below.

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