Celtica gigantea

Celtica gigantea, commonly called giant feather grass, giant needle grass, or golden oats, is a bunchgrass in the genus Celtica, native to southern Europe. It occurs in Spain and other Mediterranean countries.[2] It is still widely referenced in the horticultural literature under its synonym Stipa gigantea.[3]

Celtica gigantea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Pooideae
Genus: Celtica
Species:
C. gigantea
Binomial name
Celtica gigantea
(Link) F.M.Vázquez & Barkworth
Synonyms[1]
  • Lasiagrostis gigantea (Link) Trin. & Rupr.
  • Macrochloa gigantea (Link) Hack.
  • Stipa gigantea Link

Description

Celtica gigantea has leaf blades that are narrow and gray-green, creating a bunchgrass foliage mass 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) in diameter. It is evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate.[4]

The plant has prominent flower spikes emerging silver-lavender in the late spring, aging to a radiant golden over the summer, and persisting in tan into winter. The spikes typically grow to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, rising high above the foliage.[2][4]

Cultivation

Celtica gigantea is grown as an ornamental grass for planting as single specimens and massed drifts in parks, public landscapes, and gardens.[2] It is used in drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate—plant palette gardens.[4]

The tall golden flower spikes are attractive on the plant, especially radiant when backlit by the sun.[5] They may also be used for dried flowers.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3][6]

See also

References
  1. "Celtica gigantea". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens Kews. 2019. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  2. Fine Gardening Plant Guide: Stipa gigantea (Giant feather grass, Golden oats) . accessed 6.26.2012
  3. "RHS Plant Selector - Stipa gigantea". Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  4. San Marcos Growers: Stipa gigantea (Giant Needle Grass) . accessed 6.26.2012
  5. Perennials.com: Plant Profile for Stipa gigantea - Giant Feather Grass . accessed 6.26.2012
  6. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 99. Retrieved 21 November 2018.

Media related to Stipa gigantea at Wikimedia Commons


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