| Zizaniopsis miliacea | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Zizaniopsis |
| Species: | Z. miliacea |
| Binomial name | |
| Zizaniopsis miliacea | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
Zizania miliaceaMichx. | |
Zizaniopsis miliacea is a species of flowering plant in the grass family, Poaceae. [2] It is known by the common names giant cutgrass, water millet, and southern wildrice. The name giant cutgrass refers to the plant's large, rough-edged leaves, and the name southern wildrice refers to its resemblance to wildrice (Zizania spp.). [3] It is native to the southeastern United States and it can also be found in central Mexico. [4]
This perennial grass grows from rhizomes, producing stems up to 4 meters tall and 3.5 centimeters wide. The stems root at nodes that come in contact with the substrate. [4] It also spreads via functional stolons (decumbent rooting stems) and vegetative buds that erupt from the stems. [3] [5] The blue-green leaves are up to a meter long and 3 centimeters wide. The panicles may exceed 80 centimeters long and are usually up to 20 centimeters wide. [4]
This plant grows in aquatic habitat, such as marshes and riverbanks. It is also common in former rice paddies. [3] This grass forms large colonies by spreading via its stolon-like stems and rhizomes. [5] It grows in fresh and brackish water, [4] tolerating some salt in the water. It is sometimes planted for erosion control in wetlands. [6] Large stands of the plant are sometimes considered to be a nuisance, providing "poor wildlife habitat"; [7] however, it does provide nesting sites, cover, and food for animals. [8]