Eriochloa contracta is a species of grass known by the common name prairie cupgrass.[1] It is native to the central United States and it is naturalized in areas to the east and west, where it is often a weed, especially in moist areas. This annual grass may grow up to a meter tall when erect or it may bend, rooting where nodes on the stem touch the ground. The inflorescence is up to 20 centimeters long and is made up of several branches which stick out to the sides. The branches are lined with purplish spikelets a few millimeters long.

Eriochloa contracta
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Eriochloa
Species:
E. contracta
Binomial name
Eriochloa contracta

Prairie cupgrass is one of a number of species that can cause photosensitivity in humans.[2]

References

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  1. ^ DiTomaso, Joseph M.; Healy, Evelyn A. (2007). Weeds of California and Other Western States. UCANR Publications. p. 1166. ISBN 978-1-879906-69-3.
  2. ^ Smith, James P.; Simpson, Kathy (2014-09-12). Field Guide to Grasses of California. Univ of California Press. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-520-27567-6.
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