An interesting group of grasses, five species, native to the warmer areas of North America. Wider foliage than many other grasses, some with flattened, large flowering spikelets. Generally found in woodland areas, near streams and rivers.
A somewhat spreading rather than tussock-forming grass. In its native North America it is the larval foodplant for several moths, and a number of skipper butterflies. Although not recorded here, it could well be used as a larval food by our own skippers and brown butterflies. Its seeds are however eaten by birds and small mammals alike.