Search / Plant Profile / Calamovilfa arcuata

Plant Profile

Rivergrass (Calamovilfa arcuata)

This flowering perennial grass can be seen in the forground of the shot. This plant is associated with rocky areas where drainage into a stream occurs. Photo Credit:

Global Rank: G2 - Imperiled
Legal Status: N/A
Family: Poaceae
State: AL, AR, GA, KY, OK, TN
Nature Serve ID: 150371
Lifeform: Graminoid
Date Inducted in National Collection: 04/04/1991

Description:

Calamovilfa arcuata is a flowering perennial grass that forms clumps between one to three feet wide. Although the plants grow along stream banks, too much water can be detrimental (Perkins and Patrick 1980). Several populations are thought to have been lost due to the construction of reservoirs (Taylor and Taylor 1980). This species could be confused with the more common switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or purpletop (Tridens flavus), both of which occur in similar habitats as the Cumberland sandreed. This rare species can be identified by its denser, drooping inflorescences that flower in August and September. It can also be distinguished from purpletop because the inflorescences of purpletop are covered with a sticky, odorous substances while those of Cumberland sandreed. (Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory 1999)

Where is Rivergrass (Calamovilfa arcuata) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Open areas along rocky stream banks or stream beds, intermittent rocky drainage areas among large rocks, areas showing evidence of natural disturbance due to water flow (Perkins and Patrick 1980, Taylor and Taylor 1980).C. arcuata is associated with Mixed hardwood species such as hemlock, yellow pine, alder, dogwood, willow, Andropogon and Panicum mixed grasses (Perkins and Patrick 1980, Taylor and Taylor 1980).

Distribution:

The majority of populations are distributed throughout Atoka and Pushmataha counties in Oklahoma. A few populations occur in McCurtain county Oklahoma. Sandgrass is locally abundant along Daddy's Cre

States & Provinces:

Rivergrass can be found in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee

Which CPC Partners conserve Rivergrass (Calamovilfa arcuata)?

Missouri Botanical Garden

Conservation Actions

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

A species of open gravel/cobble bars maintained by river scour, Calamovilfa arcuata has a disjunct distribution, with one cluster of populations in southern Kentucky, Tennessee, and northern Alabama and a second cluster in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Approximately 20-60 occurrences are believed extant, depending on how adjacent plant clusters are aggregated; most of these occurrences have less than 100 individuals. Although reservoir construction has destroyed some of this species' historical habitat, many of the extant occurrences appear relatively stable. Because C. arcuata requires river scour, changes in river hydrology are the major threat to its persistence; such changes can arise from reservoir construction, watershed-level impacts such as strip mining, or other processes that alter flood frequency/intensity. Woody invasive species that colonize cobble bars are also a threat in at least Kentucky.

Kimberlie McCue, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

Threats include habitat destruction caused by road building, excessive sediment, dam construction and cattle grazing (Perkins and Patrick 1980, Taylor and Taylor 1980).

Kimberlie McCue, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

The total number of populations is unknown, however, there are typically only a few individuals at any given site.

Kimberlie McCue, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

None known.

Kimberlie McCue, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

There is no formal, centralized management plan.

Kimberlie McCue, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

Management of riparian zones, including forested buffer strips, is an important strategy for protection of this species. Physical alteration of river banks, sand bars, and natural stream flow should be avoided. Logging operations should be confined to areas outside riparian buffer zones. Livestock grazing should also be reduced in areas where Cumberland sandreed grows (Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory 1999). Research needs include understanding reproductive biology and life history traits.