Relatives
Phleum nodosum L. (Phleum pratense subsp. nodosum (L.) Arcang.) - Nodulose timothy
Taxonomical position.
Family Poaceae Benth., Genus Phleum L.Morphology and biology.
This species is a long-term cereal. The plant is green and forms friable tussocks with short, creeping runners. Stalks reach heights of 15-50 cm and are beaded at the base. Leaves are flat, 2-4 mm wide, sharply rough. The inflorescence is cylindrical, dense, 5-10 cm long, 3.5-6 mm wide. Spikelet scales are rough, 3-5 mm long, ciliate across keel; bottom floral scales are half the length of the spikelet scales. It blossoms in May-July. It is anemophilous. Chromosome number: 2n=14.Distribution.
Occurs in wood and forest-steppe zones of the European part of the former USSR, the Caucasus, Europe and Asia.Ecology.
This plant is a mesophyte. Grows in meadows, in wood glades, in rarefied woods, and sometimes as a weed in grain crops.Use and economic value.
This species is used as a fodder plant.Reference citations:
Grossheim A.A. 1939. Flora of the Caucasus. Vol. 2. Polypodiaceae-Gramineae. Baku: Publishing house AzFaN. 587 p.Hulten E., Fries M. 1986. Atlas of North European Vascular Plants, North of the Tropic of Cancer. Vol. 1-3. Konigstein, 1172 p.
Tzvelev N.N. 1976. Cereals of the USSR. Leningrad: Nauka. 788 p.