Celtica gigantea
| Celtica gigantea | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Genus: | Celtica |
| Species: | C. gigantea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Celtica gigantea (Link) F.M.Vázquez & Barkworth
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| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Celtica gigantea, commonly called giant feather grass, giant needle grass, or golden oats, is a bunchgrass in the genus Celtica, native to southern Europe. It occurs in Spain and other Mediterranean countries.[2]
Description
Celtica gigantea has leaf blades that are narrow and gray-green, creating a bunchgrass foliage mass 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) in diameter. It is evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate.[3]
The plant has prominent flower spikes emerging silver-lavender in the late spring, aging to a radiant golden over the summer, and persisting in tan into winter. The spikes typically grow to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, rising high above the foliage.[2][3]
- Cultivation
Celtica gigantea is grown as an ornamental grass for planting as single specimens and massed drifts in parks, public landscapes, and gardens.[2] It is used in drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate—plant palette gardens.[3]
The tall golden flower spikes are attractive on the plant, especially radiant when backlit by the sun.[4] They may also be used for dried flowers.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[5][6]
See also
References
- ^ "Celtica gigantea". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens Kews. 2019. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- ^ a b c Fine Gardening Plant Guide: Stipa gigantea (Giant feather grass, Golden oats) . accessed 6.26.2012
- ^ a b c San Marcos Growers: Stipa gigantea (Giant Needle Grass) . accessed 6.26.2012
- ^ Perennials.com: Plant Profile for Stipa gigantea - Giant Feather Grass . accessed 6.26.2012
- ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Stipa gigantea". Retrieved 4 June 2013.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 99. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
External links
Media related to Stipa gigantea at Wikimedia Commons