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Cynosurus spp.
Dog's-tail grass
Europe, Mediterranean, western Asia, and North Africa
Overview
Cynosurus spp. is a genus of tufted annual and perennial grasses in the grass family (Poaceae), comprising roughly eight to ten species native to Europe, the Mediterranean, western Asia, and North Africa. Plants form slender tufts 6-32 inches (15-80 cm) tall with narrow flat leaf blades and wiry flowering stems. The flower heads are dense, one-sided spike-like panicles 0.8-4 inches (2-10 cm) long, in which sterile bristly spikelets are paired with fertile ones, giving the head a comb- or tail-like texture that suggests the common name dog's-tail. The perennial crested dog's-tail C. cristatus is a narrow-leaved pasture and lawn grass of old meadows on poorer soils, while the annual rough dog's-tail C. echinatus has a bristlier, more rounded head and behaves as a weed of disturbed and waste ground. The genus grows in open, sunny grassland and tolerates close grazing and mowing. Most species are slight on their own but contribute to the texture of meadow and grassland swards. The tough stems of C. cristatus were once used for plaiting straw goods.
Native Range
Cynosurus spp. is native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and North Africa, growing in grassland, meadows, and disturbed ground. C. cristatus has been carried with pasture and lawn seed to temperate regions worldwide and is now widely naturalised.Suggested Uses
Cynosurus spp. is used in pasture, hard-wearing lawns, and wildflower meadow mixes, particularly the perennial crested dog's-tail on poorer soils. The dried seed heads are cut for arrangements. The grass also supplies seed and cover for small grassland birds and insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 2'8"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Cynosurus spp. flowers in early to midsummer, generally June to July, when the spike-like heads emerge and shed pollen on the wind. The heads then dry and turn straw-coloured as the seed ripens through summer. Dried heads often persist on the stems into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to strawFoliage 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