Leersia virginica
| Leersia virginica | |
|---|---|
| File:Leersia virginica IWF.jpg | |
| Photo by the Illinois Wildflowers Database | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants |
| Class: | Liliopsida - Moncots |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Leersia |
| Species: | L. virginica |
| Binomial name | |
| Leersia virginica Willd. | |
| |
| Natural range of Leersia virginica from USDA NRCS Plants Database. | |
Contents
Taxonomic Notes
Synonym: L. virginica var. ovata (Poiret)
Variety: Homolocenchrus virginicus (Willdenow)
Description
L. virginica is a perennial graminoid of the Poaceae family native to North America. [1]
Distribution
L. virginica is found throughout the Eastern and Midwestern United States, Ontario, and Quebec. [1]
Ecology
Habitat
L. virginica can be found in floodplain forests, swamps, and streambanks. [2] L. virginica is commonly found in an ideal habitat of partially shaded wet lowlands. It prefers moist soil with a high amount of organic matter that is commonly found along water bodies. It is not tolerant to droughts. [1]
Phenology
Flowers typically bloom between July and October. [1]
Seed dispersal
Seeds are typically dispersed in the summer through to the fall. [1]
Seed bank and germination
Seeds have bene classified as having medium vigor.[1]
Fire ecology
L. virginica is not fire resistant. [1]
Use by animals
L. virginica can be used by grazing and browsing animals though it is not commonly found in the pasture areas that they inhabit. The Northern Pearly Eye butterfly caterpillar will feed on the foliage of the plant.[1]
