Tanglehead
(Heteropogon contortus)
Tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus)
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Jay Horn
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jay Horn
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jay Horn | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jay Horn | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-31T17:40:42-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Heteropogon contortus, commonly known as Tanglehead, is a deciduous perennial grass native to many tropical and subtropical regions, including savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands. It can reach up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) in height and is adapted to environments that experience frequent fires, which can stimulate its growth. The plant is characterized by its dark seeds, each with a long, twisting awn at one end and a sharp spike at the other. This unique seed morphology allows the awn to twist when dry and straighten when moistened, aiding in the self-burial of the seed into the soil for effective germination.
Tanglehead is valued for its low water requirements and ability to thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and restoration projects in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control due to its robust root system. However, it can become invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting it in non-native areas. In its native habitat, it provides forage for wildlife and is an important component of the grassland ecosystem.CC BY-SA 4.0
Tanglehead is valued for its low water requirements and ability to thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and restoration projects in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control due to its robust root system. However, it can become invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting it in non-native areas. In its native habitat, it provides forage for wildlife and is an important component of the grassland ecosystem.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical and subtropical savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Black Spear Grass, Bunch Spear Grass, Bunched Spear Grass, Tangle Grass, Spear Grass, Assegaaigras, Steekgras, Speergras, Hierba Torcida, Herbe Barbue
Scientific Names: , Heteropogon contortus, Heteropogon allionii, Andropogon contortus, Andropogon allionii, Heteropogon hirtus, Heteropogon glaber, Heteropogon contortus var. glaber, Heteropogon contortus var. allionii, Heteropogon contortus var. hispidissimus
GBIF Accepted Name: Heteropogon contortus (L.) P.Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult.