Aira, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and western Asia
SunFull Sun
Overview
Aira is a genus of about nine annual grasses in the family Poaceae, native to Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and western Asia, and naturalized in North America, southern Africa, and Australia. Plants form slender tufts 5-40 cm (2-16 in) tall, with narrow, often inrolled leaf blades 1-5 cm (0.4-2 in) long clustered near the base. From late spring the wiry stems carry open, branched panicles that spread 2-10 cm (0.8-4 in) wide. Each panicle holds many two-flowered spikelets about 2-3 mm long, shining silver-green to purplish, with a bent awn projecting from each lemma. The whole plant is short-lived, completing its cycle from autumn or spring germination to seed set within a single season before dying. Aira colonizes dry, open ground such as sandy banks, rock outcrops, paths, and thin pasture, and tolerates nutrient-poor, acidic soils. Because the species are annual and shallow-rooted, stands depend on yearly reseeding and decline where taller vegetation closes over. The seed disperses on wind and in moving soil.
Native Range
Native to Europe, the Mediterranean basin, North Africa, and western Asia. Several species, including A. caryophyllea and A. praecox, are widely naturalized in North America and Australia.Suggested Uses
Used in naturalistic and gravel plantings, on green roofs, and in dry meadow seed mixes where a short-lived, self-seeding grass suits the setting. In many regions the naturalized species grow as weeds of paths, lawns, and waste ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'4"
Width/Spread2" - 6"
Bloom Information
Flowering panicles appear from mid-spring into early summer, and A. praecox flowers earliest, opening in April. Pollination is by wind, and seed ripens a few weeks later. Most plants are dead by midsummer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
