Coefficient of Conservatism:
*
Coefficient of Wetness:
-3
Wetness Index:
FACW
Physiognomy:
Ad P-Grass
R. Schipper
A common grass throughout the state, in open to forested, wet to dry places, whether disturbed (roadsides, fields, etc.) or relatively undisturbed (wet meadows, shores, forests, dunes). Introduced from Europe, but collected in Michigan as early as 1838 in Jackson Co.
Agrostis gigantea is characteristically a distinctive large plant with a large, open, decidedly red inflorescence. Yet, plants growing in the shade, as in forests, may have greenish and often more delicate looking panicles, somewhat like those of A. stolonifera, which, however, usually grows in open situations, where A. gigantea develops its red color. The panicles of A. gigantea are normally at least 10 cm long. Depauperate specimens with smaller panicles may, if the panicle branches are ascending (as when young), resemble A. stolonifera, but usually can be distinguished by the reddish color, wider leaf blades, and of course the rhizome.