s Field Manual No. 2 -July, l^S^S^T" Some Grasses QK 495 .G74 P48 of the Northeast By C. E. Phillips A key to their identification by vegetative characters University of Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station Newark, Delaware o" X- li \— CD- SI i c : rr c SOME GRASSES OF THE NORTHEAST &7^ KEY TO THEIR IDENTIFICATION BY VEGETATIVE CHARACTERS /^^ by C. E. PHILLIPS1 In the last few years an increasing interest in weed-free turf and the wide acceptance of chem- ical herbicides has sharply focused attention on the necessity of identifying grasses by their vege- tative characters. A European worker is credited with doing the basic work on the use of vegetative characters in an identification key about 80 years ago. Carrier (3) in 1917 developed the first in North America. Since then a number of such keys have been developed by various workers in the United States and Canada (see bibliography). None of these keys, however, included anywhere near all the grasses of economic importance in the Northeastern states. The key presented here is an outgrowth of 15 years of teaching students to identify pasture grasses and some common weed grasses in their vegetative (non-flowering) state. Using descriptions of grasses from several publications, a number of tentative keys were constructed and tried with unsatisfactory results. Many of the grasses were found to show great variation from region to region in the detailed description of their vegetative characters. It was apparent that if a key was to be useful it would have to be based on vegetative descriptions made of the grasses growing in the region. Approximately 800 vegetative descriptions were made and used in the development of the key. Most of these were of grasses collected in the 12 Northeastern states and Virginia. In order to get a better idea of variations, however, some collections were made in a total of 34 states and one Canadian province. To assure uniformity, all descriptions were recorded on keysort punch cards printed with a standard legend. Most of the key has been field checked by students and co-workers in Delaware and adjoining states. No effort was made to include all the grasses of the Northeast in the key. An effort was made, however, to include most of those having economic importance. Most of those included are either species cultivated for various purposes or weed grasses of mostly agricultural situations. In addition to these, a number of grasses of interest to conservationists and wildlife people were also added. Scientific names of the grasses are those given by Hitchcock (6) . Common names, in most cases. are those used most frequently by many authorities. In a few cases the author found it necessary to coin a common name that seemed appropriate. DISTINGUISHING THE GRASSES FROM THE GRASS-LIKE PLANTS There are a number of the grass-like plants that may be easily confused with the true grasses. Not many of these are to be found in agricultural situations except in wet pastures and meadows. One sedge, however, nutgrass (Cyperus esculentus), is a common weed in cultivated fields in the Northeast, and the path rush (Juncus tenuis) is found in a variety of situations, particularly on com- pacted soil. Since the key presented here deals only with the grasses, it is necessary to be able to distinguish Chairman, Department of Agronomy, University of Delaware. the true grasses (Gramineae) from the sedges (Cyperaceae) and the rushes (Juncaceae). Study of the points presented in the following table will show how to separate them quickly. Grasses Sedges Rushes Stem Usually hollow, cylindrical or flattened Filled with pith, rarely hollow, usually 3-sided Filled with sponge- like pith, cylindrical Nodes Conspicuous Indistinct Indistinct Leaf arrangement In 2 vertical rows or ranks In 3 vertical rows or ranks In 3 vertical rows or ranks Leaf sheath Usually split, closed in a few species Usually closed Open or closed Collar Mostly distinct Indistinct Indistinct Auricles Present or absent Absent Absent Ligule Present, rarely absent Absent or weakly developed Absent or weakly developed Leaf blade Usually flat, often folded, rolled or bristle-like, frequently hairy Flat, multi- folded or bristle-like, rarely hairy Channeled or round, usually wiry and without hairs Leaf margins Smooth, rough or hairy Usually rough Smooth CHARACTERS USED IN IDENTIFICATION2 The characters found to be most reliable are discussed below with drawings to illustrate the principal variations used in the key. The descriptions and points of separation are based on the characters as found on the vegetative or lower leaves of the plant. Leaves high on the stem fre- quently have longer ligules and blades that are wider or less hairy. 1 . Bud-shoot The arrangement of leaves in the growing point or bud-shoot may be folded or rolled as shown below. The folded arrangement is usually found in flattened shoots and the rolled arrangement in round or cylindrical shoots. However, in some grasses, such as yellow foxtail and barnyard grass, the leaves are rolled in flattened shoots and in others, such as poverty oatgrass, folded leaves are in round shoots. Folded Rolled 2 This section mostly follows the general form first used by Nowosad, Swales and Dore. (8) The rolled or folded character of the bud-shoot is very difficult to accurately determine (with- out special equipment) for the grasses with narrow leaves (2 to 4 mm.), such as the fine-leaved fescues, many of the bluegrasscs and the bents. The use of this character as a point of separation for such grasses has therefore been avoided in so far as possible. The arrangement of the leaves in the bud-shoot may be determined by cutting the shoot across below the ligule of the uppermost leaf and examining the section with a magnifier. 2. Sheath The sheath is the tubular basal portion of the leaf surrounding the stem or the young growing leaves. Sheaths looked at in cross-section may range from distinctly flattened, as in orchard grass, to round, as in timothy. Sometimes the midrib extends downward into the sheath and the sheath is said to be keeled. The sheath is generally split to the base or node and the margins are overlapping as illustrated below. Some grasses, notably the bromegrass and cheats (Bromus spp.), are closed to near the top. This character needs careful examination for in some cases a closed sheath is easily split by rough handling. Split Spill, margins overlapping Closed The surface of the sheath may be rough to the touch or more or less covered with hairs or it may be smooth (without roughness or hairs). Frequently we find sheaths with purple or reddish tints. These tints, except in a few cases, are not reliable as a means of identification. Where color is used the lowermost sheaths should be examined at or just below the soil surface. In some cases the margins of split sheaths are helpful in distinguishing one grass from another. Most grasses have margins that are thin and hyaline or paper-like while in some, one or both margins may be distinctly hairy. 3. Auricles Large Small Absent Auricles are claw-like appendages which project from the collar, one from each side. When present they may be large and conspicuous, as in barley, or small and slender as in the ryegrasses and quackgrass. The auricles of wheat and tall fescue generally are more or less hairy. 4. Collar The collar is a band, generally much lighter in color, marking the division between the sheath and the blade. It may be a broad or narrow band continuous from one margin to the other or it may be divided by a darker green midrib. Broad collars, whether continuous or divided, are most 111'11""""//!! Nil I HI II t 111)1 V"". Broad Narrow Divided W0& Oblique Hairy Margins hairy generally narrow in the midrib area and may be said to resemble two letter V's placed point to point. The surface of the collar, viewed with the bottom of the blade upward, is generally smooth but may be rather uniformly hairy or have long or short hairs only on the margins. The hairs on the collar margins are sometimes conspicuously long or dense. 5. Ligule The ligule is an upward-pointing growth found on the inside of the leaf at the junction of the blade and sheath. It may be a thin membrane or a fringe of hairs or may be absent as in barnyard Ligule Types Absent Membranous Fringe of hairs Fringe of hairs fused at base grass. A special type sometimes found is a fringe of hairs fused at base. This is essentially a fringe of relatively long hairs on a short membrane. Careful examination of this membrane will show that many or all of the hairs can be distinguished as continuing to the base but are apparently fused or cemented together. This could appear to be a short membrane that is long ciliate (see ligule mar- gins below). To avoid confusion in this key those ligules where the membranous portion is much shorter than the fringe of hairs has been described as a "fringe of hairs fused at base". Where the membranous portion is much longer than the hairs, the ligule is described as "membranous ciliate". Ligule Shapes Acuminata Acute Rounded Truncate The shape of the ligule (illustrated above) and the ligule margins (illustrated below) apply only to the membranous types. Both shape and margin in most species may vary considerably but in Ligule Margins Entire Notched Toothed Ciliate Ligule hairy on back some cases, as the notched margin in timothy, are quite helpful in identification. Margins of ligules often become split or frayed in older leaves, so care should be taken to examine only young fresh blades. The length of the ligule may vary from minute (.2mm. long or less) to more than 10 mm. The outer surface of the ligule is usually smooth but careful examination of some ligules with a good magnifier will show them to be minutely hairy on the back. This appears to be a somewhat incon- sistent character, or at least difficult to accurately determine and has not been used in the key. 6. Blade The blade is the upper, non-clasping part of the leaf above the collar and ligule. It is usually long and flat but sometimes narrow leaves are so tightly folded as to appear solid or bristle-like. Broad blades may be flat, V-shaped, rolled, or have both margins rolled inward. The width of the blades, although variable within a certain limit in a species or on a single plant, are of considerable value in separating many grasses. The shape of the blade is of considerable value in a few cases. The blade surfaces and the blade margins may be smooth, rough or hairy. In some cases the veins are so prominent on the upper surface as to form ridges. On the lower surface, the midrib may be prominent and form a keel. The partially closed blade tip that is shaped like the prow of a boat is common to the bluegrasses and is valuable in identification. The shade of green color in the blade is so dependent on the conditions of moisture, fertility and light that it is not dependable as a character in identification. Some species, however, have a definite blue-green color (glaucous) and this characteristic can be used in distinguishing them. Flat Keeled below V-shaped Folded Bristle- 1 ike Flat Ridged above Rolled Margins Rolled in r\\ Tapering to Tip 6 • Boat-shaped Tip Parallel-sided Narrowed to Base 7. Rhizomes and Stolons Grasses have fine fibrous root systems. Many grasses have a thickened, generally whitish, creep- ing underground stem or rhizome. These rhizomes send up new shoots from the nodes and enable the plant to spread vegetatively. Other grasses have prostrate, above-ground, creeping stems or stolons which also root at the nodes or tips. The presence or absence of rhizomes or stolons frequently is a great help in distinguishing one species from another. 8. Inflorescence The common forms of grass inflorescence (flowering parts) are the spike (quackgrass), raceme (crabgrass) and panicle (redtop). The character of the inflorescence is not used as a basis of sepa- ration in this vegetative key. A simplified description of the inflorescence of each species is given, however, as an aid in establishing positive identification whenever inflorescence is present. 9. Geographical Range The geographical range of the various grasses in the states of the Northeast is that given by Hitchcock (6) with such modifications as were indicated by the author's collections. The range given is meant to be only that of general occurrence and for most grasses would also include the area of the Northeast west of the state named. Some species may be occasionally found considerably north of their general range. Geographical range is not used as a point of separation of species in the key but in some cases may be valuable information to help in positive identification. 10. Where Found Most grasses are found over a wide range of situations such as cultivated fields, meadows, open ground and waste places. Others, however, are found only in rather specific locations such as bogs, salt marshes and on dune sand. Where the conditions of growth are quite specific, it is a valuable characteristic that can be used in separating species. USING THE KEY Many grasses are highly variable in their vegetative characters. There may be great differences in the vegetative descriptions of the same species grown under different climatic conditions. Fre- quently there is considerable variation among plants growing close together. For this reason, when collecting a specimen for identification, it is well to gather plants from several different spots. In using the key, a 10X magnifier is essential. A Pocket Comparator or other device for making fine measurements will also be very helpful. Where separations arc based on width of blade or length of ligule, reference is to the widest blades or the longest ligules (unless otherwise specified) present on the specimens. The characters given in the key arc arranged in pairs bearing the same number but different letters as la, lb; or 12a, 12b. The two parts of any pair are opposing or partly opposing characters. No grass plant can fit both ; every plant should fit one or the other. With a given grass in hand read both parts of the first pair, "la. Blade more than 3 mm. wide — lb. Blade less than 3 mm. wide." If this particular specimen has blades more than 3 mm. wide read next pair 4, as directed by the figure at the end of that line. If a ligule is present (4a) go next • 7 to pair 5, if ligule is membranous (5b) , go next to pair 9. Continue in this way to select the alterna- tive which best agrees with the specimen in hand until reference is to a Group. Turn to this group and continue to a grass species. Check the specimen with the details of the description given under the species name and in the drawing at right (drawings are diagrammatic and not to scale) . Where the inflorescence is present, the simplified description given may also be helpful in checking correct identification. In a few species geographical distribution and the information on occurrence may be of value. IDENTIFICATION KEY la. Blade 3 mm. or less wide 2 lb. Blade more than 3 mm. wide 4 2a. Sheath distinctly flattened or compressed Group 1, page 9 2b. Sheath not distinctly flattened 3 3a. Ligule .5 mm. or less long Group 2, page 12 3b. Ligule more than .5 mm. long Group 3, page 16 4a. Ligule present 5 4b. Ligule absent Group 4, page 20 5a. Ligule membranous ° 5b. Ligule a fringe of hairs ° 6a. Ligule 1 mm. or less long ' 6b. Ligule more than 1 mm. long 8 7a. Blade 5 mm. or less wide Group 5, page 21 7b. Blade more than 5 mm. wide Group 6, page 23 8a. At least one sheath margin hairy Group 7, page 29 8b. Neither sheath margin hairy Group 8, page 33 9a. Sheath closed to near top Group 9, page 38 9b. Sheath split at least part way 10 10a. Sheath distinctly flattened H 10b. Sheath not distinctly flattened 14 11a. Ligule 1 mm. or less long Group 10, page 41 lib. Ligule more than 1 mm. long 12 12a. Leaves rolled in bud-shoot Group 11, page 45 12b. Leaves folded in bud-shoot 13 13a. Ligule 2 mm. or less long - Group 12, page 48 13b. Ligule more than 2 mm. long Group 13, page 50 14a. Ligule 3 mm. or more long 15 14b. Ligule less than 3 mm. long 16 15a. Blade 10 mm. or less wide Group 14, page 52 15b. Blade more than 10 mm. wide Group 15, page 55 16a. Auricles present Group 16, page 59 16b. Auricles absent 1' 17a. Blade 10 mm. or less wide 1° 17b. Blade more than 10 mm. wide 20 18a. Ligule 1 mm. or less long Group 17, page 62 18b. Ligule more than 1 mm. long 19 19a. Sheath hairy at least at top or throat Group 18, page 65 19b. Sheath not hairy Group 19, page 66 20a. Ligule 2 mm. or less long Group 20, page 68 20b. Ligule more than 2 mm. long Group 21, page 71 8 • GROUP 1 2 la. Blade hairy above 1 b. Blade not hairy above 2a. Blade about 1 mm. wide 1. Aristida dichotoma— Poverty Grass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened and keeled, smooth or sometimes sparsely long hairy, split; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided; ligule a minute fringe of hairs; blade about 1 mm. wide, rough and sparsely long hairy above, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence— few-flowered, narrow, terminal and axillary pani- cles. Common throughout. Dry open ground. 2b. Blade more than 1 mm. wide 3a. Collar hairy at least on margins 3b. Collar not hairy 2. Festuca octoflora — Six-weeks Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth or sometimes rough or short hairy, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule membranous, .2 to .3 mm. long, truncate, sometimes lacerate or ciliate; blade to 2 mm. wide, short hairy above and below and on margins. Inflorescence— a narrow panicle with short branches. New York south. Open sterile ground. 4a. Ligule about .2 mm. long 3. Sporobolus clandestine— Scratch Dropseed Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, dense long hairy or hairy at throat, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar broad with a narrow band of hairs; ligule a fringe of hairs about .2 mm. long; blade about 3 mm. wide, long hairy above and below, mar- gins rough. Inflorescence— a narrow contracted panicle. Connecticut south. Sandy fields. 4b. Ligule 2 to 3 mm. long 4. Cynodon dactylon— Bermuda Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath loose, distinctly flattened, sparsely short hairy with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 3 mm. lone; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, sparsely short hairy above, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence-^ or 5 digitate spikes. Maryland south. Common in fields and grasslands. 5a. Ligule more than 1 mm. long 5. Poa annua — Annual Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, gen- erally split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, mostly 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded to acute; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth above and below and on margins, blade-tip boat-shaped. Inflorescence — a small, open, few- branched panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, pastures, open ground and waste places. 5b. Ligule 1 mm. or less long 6 6a. Blade 2 mm. or less wide 7 6b. Blade more than 2 mm. wide 11 7a. Blade rolled, very narrow (about .5 mm. wide), bristle-like 6. Festuca capillata — Hair Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath flattened, smooth, split; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, indistinct; ligule membranous, .2 to .4 mm. long, truncate; blade bristle-like (about. 5 mm. wide), smooth. Inflorescence — a very slender panicle. Throughout. Lawns and waste places. 7b. Blade not as above (1 mm. or more wide), may be bristle-like 8 8a. Ligule a fringe of hairs 7. Aristida oligantha — Prairie Three-awn Grass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, di- vided; ligule a fringe of hairs, about .2 mm. long; blade 1 to 2 mm. wide, rough and sometimes sparsely long hairy above, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a narrow, loosely flowered panicle. Massachusetts south. Open dry ground. 8b. Ligule membranous ' 9a. Plants densely tufted, base of stems not usually decumbent ... 10 9b. Plants not densely tufted, base of stems usually decumbent 8. Festuca rubra — Red Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth or very short hairy, split ; auricles absent ; collar mostly broad ; ligule mem- branous, .2 to .3 mm. long, truncate; blade about 2 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins smooth or slightly rough. Inflorescence— a narrow, contracted panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, meadows and waste places. 10 1 Oa. Plant pale bluish green 9. Fcstuca ovina — Sheep Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided, indistinct; ligule man- branous, about .3 mm. long, rounded; blade 1 to 1.5 mm. wide, bristle- like, smooth above and below and on margins. Inflorescence-marrow panicle, sometimes almost spike-like. Throughout. Occasionally culti- vated. 10b. Plant dark green 10. Festuca rubra var. commutata— Chewings Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth or very short hairy, split ; auricles absent ; collar broad ; ligule membranous 2 to 4 mm. long; blade 1 to 2 mm. wide, smooth above and below and on margins. Inflorescence-* narrow contracted panicle. Cultivated for lawns. 11a. Blade tip boat-shaped 11. Poa pratensis— Kentucky Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided, may have fine hairs on margins; ligule membranous, mostly .2 to 3 mm. long but to .6 mm., truncate; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth to slightly rough above, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to slightly rough or occasionally short hairy near base, tip boat-shaped. Inflorescence- an open, pyramidal panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, meadows, open ground and waste places. lib. Blade tip not boat-shaped 1 2a. Auricles present 12. Lolium perenne— Perennial Ryegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles small, slender; collar broad, divided, indistinct; ligule membranous, .4 to .6 mm. long, truncate; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth above and on margins, smooth and glossy below. Inflorescence-long, narrow, flat spikes with unawned spikelets placed edge to rachis. Common throughout. Cultivated. 12b. Auricles absent 13. Muhlenbergia schreberi— Nimblewill Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on margins; ligule membranous 4 to 6 mm. long, rounded; blade 2 to 2.5 mm. wide, smooth above and hairy near base, smooth below, margins rough and sparsely long hairy Inflo- rescence-numerous, slender panicles. New Hampshire south. Lawns, pastures and waste places. • 11 GROUP 2 n iir . ill I ii'.!'.'< la. Blade hairy above at least near base 2 1 b. Blade not hairy above 7 2a. Collar hairy at least on margins 5 2b. Collar not hairy 3 3a. Blade flat, 2 to 3 mm. wide 4 3b. Blade rolled and bristle-like, to 1 .5 mm. wide 14. Aristida purpurascens — Arrow-feather Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping margins; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule membranous, to .3 mm. long, truncate, short ciliate; blade rolled and bristle-like, to 1.5 mm. wide, smooth above with a few hairs near base, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a narrow, lax and nodding panicle, one-third to half entire length of plant. Massachusetts south. Dry sandy soil. 4a. Blade short hairy above 15. Festuca myuros — Rat tail Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule membranous, .2 to .4 mm. long, truncate; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, short hairy above, smooth below and on margins. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with appressed branches. Coastal Plain, Massachusetts south. Open ground. mi m 4b. Blade rough above, hairy behind ligule 16. Muhlenbergia schreberi — Nimblewill Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, sharply keeled, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule membranous, about .2 mm. long, truncate; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, rough above and hairy behind ligule, smooth below, margins slightly rough. Inflorescence — numerous, slender panicles. New Hampshire south. Lawns, pastures and waste places. 5a. Sheath hairy at least near top 6 5b. Sheath smooth 17. Sporobolus asper — Tall Dropseed Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping margins; auricles absent; collar broad, sparsely hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .2 to .3 mm. long; blade about 2 mm. wide, sparse long hairy near base above, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a pale or whitish or purplish, contracted, spike-like panicle. Vermont south. Sandy meadows. 12 6a. Plant tufted 18. Danthonia spicata — Poverty Oatgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, usually long hairy with a tuft of long hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, generally with long hairs on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .2 to .4 mm. long; blade .2 to .3 mm. wide, short hairy above, rough below at least near tip, margins rough or short hairy. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with stiff, short branches bearing one spikelet. Common throughout. Dry and sterile or rocky soil. 6b. Plants with slender creeping rhizomes or stolons 19. Zoysia matrella — Japanese Lawngrass Zoysia spp. — Emerald Zoysia Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round or somewhat flattened, smooth but mostly with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs about .2 mm. long; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, hairy above at least near base, smooth below, margins smooth to rough. Inflorescence — short, terminal, spike-like. Maryland and Delaware south. Cultivated for lawns. '■ 7a. Ligule membranous 13 7b. Ligule a fringe of hairs 8 8a. Plants extensively creeping by strong, flat stolons 20. Cynodon spp. — U 3 Bermuda Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad to narrow, sometimes with a few long hairs on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .2 to .3 mm. long; blade 1.5 to 2 mm. wide, smooth to somewhat rough above, smooth below at least near base, margins rough. Inflorescence — 4 or 5 digitate spikes. Maryland and Delaware south. Cultivated. 8b. Plants not creeping by stolons 9 9a. Collar hairy on margins 1 1 9b. Collar not hairy on margins 10 1 0a. Blade bristle-like, 1 to 1 .5 mm. wide 21. Aristida dichotoma — Poverty Grass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided; ligule a fringe of hairs about .4 mm. long; blade 1 to 1.5 mm. wide, bristle-like, rough above, smooth below, margins slightly rough. Inflorescence — few- flowered, narrow, terminal and axillary panicles. Common throughout. Dry open ground. • 13 10b. Blade flat, 2 to 3 mm. wide 22. Eragrostis pectinacea — Pink Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, sometimes long hairy at top, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad to narrow, sometimes divided ; ligule a fringe of hairs, .2 to .4 mm. long; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, smooth below, margins at least slightly rough. Inflorescence — a delicate, open panicle. Throughout. Fields, open ground and waste places. 1 1 a. Sheath not hairy lib. Sheath with a tuft of hairs at throat 12 23. Danthonia spicata — Poverty Oatgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline mar- gins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, indistinct, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .2 to .3 mm. long; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, rough above, smooth below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a nar- row panicle with stiff, short branches bearing one spikelet. Common throughout. Dry and sterile or rocky soil. 12a. Collar narrow, continuous 24. Eragrostis poaeoides — Low Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs about .2 mm. long; blade 1.5 to 2.5 mm. wide, smooth above, smooth and glossy below, margins rough. Inflorescence — an erect, open panicle. Throughout, not common. Waste places. 12b. Collar broad, divided 25. Sporobolus vaginiflorus — Dropseed Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided, hairy on margins; ligule a minute fringe of hairs; blade 1.5 to 2.5 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins slightly rough. Inflorescence — a short, slender panicle. Throughout. Sandy soil or open waste ground. 13a. Low plants growing in dense colonies at edges of brackish marshes and streams 26. Distichlis spicata — Seashore Saltgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, may be hairy on margins; ligule membranous, about .2 mm. long; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth above and below and on margins, frequently bristle- like. Inflorescence — a pale or greenish, short, condensed panicle. Maine south. Seashores, forming dense colonies. 13b. Plants not growing as above 14 14 14a. Sheath smooth 14b. Sheath short hairy 15 1 5a. Leaves glaucous, blue-green; plant densely tufted 27. Festuca ovina — Sheep Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, short hairy, split with over- lapping margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, indistinct; ligule mem- branous, to .5 mm. long, truncate; blade 1 to 2 mm. wide, bristle-like, rough above, smooth to rough below, margins smooth. Inflorescence— a narrow panicle, sometimes almost spike-like. Throughout. Occasionally cultivated. 15b. Leaves not glaucous, dark green; plant not densely tufted 28. Festuca rubra— Red Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, short hairy, split part-way only; auricles absent; collar narrow, indistinct; ligule membranous, about .5 mm. long, truncate; blade 1.5 to 3 mm. wide, bristle-like, smooth above and below and on margins. Inflorescence— a. narrow, contracted panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, meadows and waste places. 16a. Collar narrow, leaves mostly bristle-like 16b. Collar medium broad, leaves flat 18 17 17a. Collar hairy 29. Sporobolus clandestinus— Scratch Dropseed Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, hairy with a few long hairs on margins; ligule membranous, minute; blade to 3 mm. wide, rough above, smooth and glossy below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— a narrow, contracted panicle. Connecticut south. Sandy fields. 17b. Collar not hairy 30. Agrostis tenuis — Colonial Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, may be di- vided; ligule membranous, to .4 mm. long, truncate; blade 1 to 3 mm. wide, flat, smooth to rough above, smooth below at least near base, mar- gins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— an open, delicate panicle. Com- mon throughout. Pastures, lawns and waste places. • 15 18a. Basal sheaths reddish, shining, perennials 31. Festuca rubra — Red Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath mostly somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, generally divided; ligule membranous, .2 to .5 mm. long, truncate; blade 1 to 3 mm. wide, generally bristle-like, smooth to rough above and on margins, smooth below. Inflorescence — a narrow, contracted panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, meadows and waste places. 18b. Basal sheaths not reddish, annuals 19 19a. Blade margins smooth 32. Festuca myuros — Rattail Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, may be divided; ligule membranous, about .2 mm. long, truncate; blade 1 to 2 mm. wide, bristle-like, smooth above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with appressed branches. Coastal Plain, Massachusetts south. Open ground. 1 9b. Blade margins at least slightly rough 33. Festuca octoflora — Six-weeks Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule mem- branous, .2 to .4 mm. long, truncate; blade 1 to 2 mm. wide, bristle-like, smooth above and below, margins rough to slightly rough. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with short branches. New York south. Open, sterile ground. GROUP 3 la. Collar hairy at least on margins 2 lb. Collar not hairy 5 2a. Sheath hairy at least at top or throat 3 2b. Sheath not hairy 34. Eragrostis poaeoides — Low Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy near margins, margins hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.5 mm. long; blade to 3 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins rough. Inflorescence — an erect, open panicle. Throughout, not common. Waste places. 3a. Ligule to 1 mm. or more long 4 16 3b. Ligule not more than .6 mm. long 35. Eragrostis pcctinacea — Pink Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, hairy at top or throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, about .6 mm. long; blade to 3 mm. wide, rough above, smooth below and keeled near base, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— a. delicate, open panicle. Throughout. Fields, open ground and waste places. 4a. Sheath closed to near top 36. Bromus mollis — Soft Chess Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, soft dense long hairy, closed to near top; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, hairy, margins hairy; ligule membranous, 1.2 to 1.7 mm. long, rounded, toothed; blade to 3 mm. wide, long white hairy above, long hairy below, margins rough and long hairy. Inflorescence— an erect, contracted crowded panicle. Throughout, not common. Waste places and cultivated soil. 4b. Sheath split to base 37. Danthonia spicata— Poverty Oatgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, long hairy, split; auricles absent; collar narrow, often indistinct, long hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, to 1.2 mm. long; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth or sparse- ly long hairy above and below, sometimes glossy below, margins at least slightly rough. Inflorescence—* narrow panicle with stiff, short branches bearing one spikelet. Common throughout. Dry and sterile or rocky soil. 5a. Ligule 1 mm. or less long 1 2 5b. Ligule more than 1 mm. long 6a. Ligule membranous 6b. Ligule a fringe of hairs 38. Spartina patens — Salt-meadow Cordgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, .4 to 1 mm. long; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, bristle-like, rough above and on margins, smooth below. Inflorescence— 2 to several comb-like spikes forming an appressed to open panicle. Maine south. Brackish marshes and beach sand along coast. 7a. Blade 1 to 2 mm. wide 7b. Blade 2 to 3 mm. wide 1 1 8a. Blade flat 9 • 17 8b. Blade rolled and bristle-like 10 9a. Blade margins smooth 39. Agrostis palustris — Creeping Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule mem- branous, .6 to .8 mm. long, rounded, toothed; blade about 1 mm. wide, flat, smooth above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a narrow, dense, pale or purple panicle. Marshes along coast, also cultivated for putting green. 9b. Blade margins rough 40. Agrostis canina — Velvet Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad; ligule membranous, .4 to .8 mm. long, rounded to acute; blade about 1 mm. wide, flat, smooth above and below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflo- rescence— a loose, spreading panicle. Maine to Delaware. Meadows and open ground. Cultivated for putting greens. rffft 10a. Lower sheaths slightly longer than the internodes 41. Festuca myuros — Rattail Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar narrow to broad ; ligule membranous, .4 to .8 mm. long, truncate, sometimes toothed ; blade 1 to 2 mm. wide, bristle-like, smooth or rough or very short hairy above, smooth below and on margins. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with appressed branches. Coastal Plain. Massachusetts south. Open ground. 10b. Lower sheaths shorter than the internodes 42. Festuca octoflora — Six-weeks Fescue Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule membranous, .4 to .8 mm. long, truncate; blade 1 to 2 mm. wide, bristle-like, smooth above or sometimes short hairy, smooth below, margins smooth to slight- ly rough. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with short branches. New York south. Open sterile ground. 11a. Sheath hairy 43. Digitaria filiformis — Slender Crabgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, long hairy (upper smooth) , split; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided; ligule membranous, .6 to 1 mm. long, truncate; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins smooth and hyaline. Inflorescence — 1 to 5 digitate, spike-like branches. New Hampshire south. Sandy fields and sterile open ground. 18 1 1 b. Sheath smooth 44. Agrostis tenuis — Colonial Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, .4 to 1 mm. long, truncate; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and below, margins rough. Inflores- cence— an open, delicate panicle. Common throughout. Pastures, lawns and waste places. 1 2a. Ligule more than 3 mm. long 13 1 2b. Ligule 3 mm. or less long 1 4 1 3a. Blade rough above and below 45. Agrostis stolonifera — Meadow Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, indistinct; ligule membranous, 3 to 4.5 mm. acute; blade about 1.5 mm. wide, bristle-like, rough above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a pale or purple, somewhat open panicle. Throughout. Moist, grassy places. 1 3b. Blade smooth above and below 46. Alopecurus carolinianus — Field Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided; ligule membranous, 4 to 5 mm. long, acuminate; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins rough. Inflorescence — soft, dense, cylindrical, spike-like. Long Island south. Moist ground and wet places. 14a. Blades thread-like 47. Deschampsia flexuosa — Crinkled Hairgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule membranous, 1.4 to 2 mm. long, rounded; blade rolled, thread-like, about .4 mm. wide, smooth. Inflorescence— a loose, open, nodding panicle with capillary branches. Throughout. Dry or rocky places. 14b. Blades not thread-like 15 1 5a. Plants spreading by stolons 48. Agrostis palustris — Creeping Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, acute; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a narrow, dense, pale or purple panicle. Marshes along coast. Also cultivated for putting greens. • 19 15b. Plants not spreading by stolons 16 16a. Collar narrow, divided 49. Agrostis hiemalis — Spring Hairgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, sometimes indistinct; ligule membranous, 1 to 3 mm. long, rounded to acute; blade 1 to 3 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and below, margins at least slightly rough. Inflorescence — a purplish, spreading, slender-branched panicle. Massachusetts south. Open ground, fields and waste places. 1 6b. Collar broad, not divided 50. Eragrostis capillaris — Lacegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule membra- nous, 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded, lacerate or toothed; blade 2 to 3 mm. wide, rough above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — an open, diffuse panicle two-thirds entire height of plant. Throughout. Dry, open ground and fields. GROUP 4 1 a. Sheath long hairy, at least at top or throat 51. Echinochloa walteri— Walter's Millet Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round to somewhat flattened, rough and long hairy at least at top or throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar narrow to medium broad ; ligule absent ; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide (sometimes to 30 mm.) , rough above and below at least near tip, margins rough to very rough and hyaline. Inflorescence —a compact panicle with short, bristly, densely flowered, spike-like branches. Coastal Plain. Massachusetts south. Wet places, often in shallow water or brackish marshes. 1 b. Sheath not hairy 2 2a. A common weed 52. Echinochloa crusgalli — Barnyard Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath somewhat to distinctly flattened, mostly smooth but occasionally somewhat rough or short hairy, split to base with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad; ligule absent; blade mostly 10 to 20 mm. wide (occasionally to 30 mm.) , generally rough above at least near tip, margins rough. Inflores- cence—* compact panicle with short, densely flowered, spike-like branches. Throughout. Moist, open ground, fields and ditches. 20 2b. A cultivated annual 53. Echinochloa crusgalli var. frumcntacca — Japanese Millet Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule absent; blade to 30 mm. wide, rough above and below at least near tip, margins very rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a com- pact panicle with short, densely flowered, spike-like branches. Occa- sionally cultivated as a forage grass. GROUP 5 la. Plant with creeping rhizomes or stolons 2 lb. Plant without creeping rhizomes or stolons 4 2a. Blade rolled and bristle-like 54. Spartina patens — Salt-meadow Cordgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, .4 to 1 mm. long; blade 2 to 4 mm. wide, bristle-like, smooth to rough above, smooth below, margins smoth to rough. In- florescence—2 to several comb-like spikes forming an appressed to open panicle. Maine south. Brackish marshes and beach sand along coast. 2b. Blade not rolled and bristle-like 3 3a. Plant with creeping rhizomes and strong flat stolons 55. Cynodon dactylon — Bermuda Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to distinctly flattened, most- ly smooth but may be short hairy or have a tuft of hairs at throat, split with margins hyaline and mostly overlapping; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, mostly .2 to .4 mm. long (may be longer) ; blade 2 to 5 mm. wide, smooth to rough or short hairy above but mostly with at least a few hairs near base, smooth to rough or short hairy below, margins rough and hyaline. In- florescence— 4 or 5 digitate spikes. Maryland south. Common in fields and grasslands. 3b. Plants with creeping rhizomes but without stolons 56. Zoysia japonica — Meyer Zoysia Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth but may have a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar mostly broad, hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, to .2 mm. long; blade 2 to 5 mm. wide, smooth or occasionally short hairy above with at least a few long hairs near base, smooth below, margins smooth to rough and occasionally long hairy near base. Inflorescence— short, terminal, spike-like. Maryland and Delaware south. Cultivated for lawns. • 21 4a. Sheath hairy at least at top or base 5 4b. Sheath not hairy 7 5a. Sheath distinctly flattened 57. Cenchrus pauciflorus — Field Sandbur Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .6 to 1 mm. long; blade 3 to 5 mm. wide, rough above, smooth near base and rough near tip below, margins slightly rough to rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a nearly round, hairy bur with sharp spines. Through- out. Sandy open ground. 5b. Sheath not distinctly flattened 6 6a. Blade generally rough above 58. Danthonia spicata — Poverty Oatgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, hairy at least at top or base, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar mostly narrow and hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, mostly .2 to .6 mm. long (occasionally to 1 mm.) , sometimes with longer hairs to 3 mm. long; blade 3 to 5 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, mostly smooth and glossy below but occasionally short hairy, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a narrow pan- icle with stiff, short branches bearing one spikelet. Common throughout. Sandy and sterile or rocky soil. 6b. Blade generally smooth above 59. Danthonia compressa — Mountain Oatgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, hairy at least at top, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, may be hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .2 to .4 mm. long but occasionally with longer hairs; blade 2 to 5 mm. wide, mostly smooth above at least near base but may be long hairy, smooth to occasionally long hairy below, margins smooth to rough and somewhat long hairy. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with stiff, short branches bearing 2 or 3 spikelets. Throughout. Meadows and open woods. 7a. Blade long hairy below at least near base 60. Danthonia sericea — Downy Oatgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, .6 to 1 mm. long; blade 3 to 5 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, long hairy below at least near base, margins rough or long hairy. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with stiff, short branches bear- ing 2 to 6 spikelets. Massachusetts south, chiefly Coastal Plain. Sand barrens. 22 7b. Blade smooth below 61. Eragrostis pectinacca — Pink Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, may be hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .2 to .6 mm. long; blade 3 to 5 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, smooth and sometimes glossy below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a delicate, open panicle. Throughout. Fields, open ground and waste places. GROUP 6 1 a. Collar not hairy 1 b. Collar hairy, at least on margins 9 2a. Sheath hairy, at least at top or throat 3 2b. Sheath smooth 3a. Blade margins at least sparse hairy 4 3b. Blade margins not hairy 62. Eragrostis capillaris — Lacegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath slightly flattened, hairy at top at least near margins, split with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, about .2 mm. long; blade to 8 mm. wide, rough above and hairy near base, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence— an open diffuse panicle two-thirds entire height of plant. Throughout. Dry open ground and fields. 4a. Blade hairy above 4b. Blade smooth above 63. Phragmites communis — Common Reed Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth and hairy at throat, split with margins hairy; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, about 1 mm. long with scattered hairs to as much as 6 to 7 mm. long, fused at base; blade to 25 mm. wide, smooth above and below, mar- gins rough and sparsely short hairy. Inflorescence — a large, densely flowered, tawny or purple panicle. South to Maryland. Mostly wet land and marshes. • 23 5a. Sheath margins hyaline 64. Eragrostis spectabilis — Purple Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth with upper half long hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule a minute fringe of hairs; blade 5 to 8 mm. wide, long sparse hairy above, smooth below, margins smooth and sparsely long hairy near base. Inflorescence — a diffuse, bright purple panicle two- thirds entire height of plant. Throughout. Sandy soil. 5b. Sheath margins hairy 65. Panicum capillare — Witchgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath somewhat flattened, stiff long hairy, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule a fringe of hairs, about 1 mm. long, fused at base ; blade to 1 7 mm. wide, short hairy above and below, margins rough and short hairy near base. Inflorescence — a very diffuse, densely flowered panicle, about half entire height of plant. Throughout. Cultivated fields, open ground and waste places. 6a. Plants with large creeping rhizomes 7 6b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 66. Setaria lutescens — Yellow Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, about 1 mm. long, fused at base; blade to 12 mm. wide, long hairy near base above, smooth to somewhat rough be- low, margins smooth to rough. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, yellow, erect, spike-like. Common throughout. Cultivated soil and waste places. 7a. Sheath round 8 7b. Sheath distinctly flattened 67. Tripsacum dactyloides — Eastern Gamagrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, some- times divided ; ligule a fringe of hairs, .4 to 1 mm. long, sometimes fused at base; blade 20 to 25 mm. wide, rough above and below at least near tip, margins very rough. Inflorescence — 1 to 3 terminal, unisexual spikes. Massachusetts south. Moist places and banks near water. 24 8a. Blade margin very rough 68. Spartina pectinata — Prairie Cordgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided; ligule a fringe of hairs, .4 to .6 mm. long; blade 8 to 15 mm. wide, smooth near base and rough near tip above, margins very rough. Inflorescence— a series of comb-like spikes forming an appresscd panicle. Throughout. Fresh water marshes. 8b. Blade margin smooth 69. Panicum hemitomen — Maidencane Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent, collar broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, .8 to 1 mm. long; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide, smooth above and be- low, margins smooth and hyaline. Inflorescence— a. narrow panicle with erect, distant branches. New Jersey south on Coastal Plain. Moist soil, often in water. 9a. Blade hairy above, at least near base 1° 9b. Blade not hairy above 10 10a. Ligule more than .5 mm. long 12 10b. Ligule less than .5 mm. long 1 1 11a. Sheath distinctly flattened 70. Uniola laxa — Slender Uniola Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth and hairy at top, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy behind ligule; ligule a fringe of hairs, about .4 mm. long; blade 4 to 7 mm. wide, rough above, smooth and keeled below, margins rough. Inflorescence—^ slender, nodding panicle. Coastal Plain, Long Island south. Moist shady places. 1 1 b. Sheath round to somewhat flattened 71. Eragrostis hirsuta var. laevivaginata — Smooth Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, mostly with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with margins hyaline or one hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .2 to .4 mm. long; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide (oc- casionally wider) , smooth above and below, margins rough. Inflorescence —a diffuse panicle more than one-half entire height of plant. Maryland south. Dry soil. • 25 12a. Blade not more than 10 mm. wide 13 12b. Blade usually much more than 10 mm. wide 15 '■..■; '■ -"■:'.-: •■"''-'■•'■. :>\jV. ■■ ":-■.-.:";.■ -'■ 'V--..\'," \ ,. '^I'.T.'J 13a. Plants spreading by stolons 72. Cynodon dactylon — Bermuda Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, hairy at throat, split with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on mar- gins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .4 to .6 mm. long, fused at base; blade 5 to 6 mm. wide, rough above, smooth near base and rough near tip below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — 4 or 5 digitate spikes. Mary- land south. Common in fields and grasslands. 13b. Plants not spreading by stolons 14 14a. Sheath margins hyaline 73. Eragrostis cilianensis — Stinkgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth and occasionally hairy at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, hairy or hairy on mar- gins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .4 to 1 mm. long; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, at least slightly rough above, glossy below and smooth at least near base, margins at least somewhat rough. Inflorescence — an erect, rather con- densed, dark gray-green to tawny panicle. Throughout. Cultivated ground, fields and waste places. 14b. Sheath margins hairy 74. Setaria viridis — Green Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, divided, hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .8 to 1 mm. long; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, rough above, smooth to slightly rough and keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, green or purplish, erect, spike-like. Common through- out. Cultivated soil and waste places. 15a. Plants with large creeping rhizomes 75. Phragmites communis — Common Reed Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth to somewhat rough or sparsely short hairy or hairy at top, split with overlapping scarious margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, hairy at least on mar- gins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .6 to 1 mm. long, usually with a few to 6 to 12 mm. long; blade 15 to as much as 50 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins smooth to rough. Inflorescence — a large, densely flow- ered, tawny or purple panicle. South to Maryland. Mostly wet land and marshes. 26 15b. Plant without creeping rhizomes 76. Setaria italica — Foxtail Millet Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, at least sparsely short hairy, split with overlapping hairy margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad to broad, hairy and hairy on margin; ligule a fringe of hairs, .6 to 1 mm. long, sometimes fused at base ; blade 1 2 to 20 mm. wide, rough above, smooth below at least near base, margins rough and hyaline. In- florescence— dense, bristly, cylindrical, yellowish or purplish, spike-like. Cultivated for forage. 16a. Sheath margins hairy (at least one) 17 16b. Sheath margins hyaline 19 17a. Ligule less than .5 mm. long 77. Eragrostis hirsuta var. laevivaginata — Smooth Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with one margin hyaline and one hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, ring of hairs at base ; ligule a fringe of hairs, .3 to .4 mm. long, fused at base; blade 8 to 12 mm. wide, smooth above with a few long hairs near base, smooth and glossy below, margins rough. Inflores- cence— a diffuse panicle more than one-half entire height of plant. Maryland south. Dry soil. 17b. Ligule about 1 mm. long 18 ^l,'uaAnll1'"il''f",',iV','ll,';','lfe ! IfflffilWa 1 8a. Plants with a bare sticky ring just below node 78. Panicum scoparium — Velvety Panicum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, dense velvety white hairy, split with at least one margin hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, dense white hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, about 1 mm. long; blade 15 to 25 mm. wide, velvety short hairy above and below, margins short hairy. Inflorescence — an open, many branched panicle with sticky blotches on axis and branches. Massachusetts south. Wet or damp soil. 18b. Plants without bare ring below nodes 79. Panicum capiliare — Witchgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath somewhat flattened, long stiff white hairy, split with overlapping hairy margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, about 1 mm. long; blade 10 to 15 mm. wide, short hairy above and below, keeled below, margins rough and short hairy. Inflorescence — a very diffuse, densely flowered panicle, about half entire height of plant. Throughout. Cultivated fields, open ground and waste places. • 27 .«§ 19a. Ligule about .2 mm. long 80. Eragrostis spectabilis — Purple Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, ring of hairs at base; ligule a fringe of hairs, about .2 mm. long; blade 8 to 10 mm. wide, long hairy near base above, smooth below, mar- gin rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a diffuse, bright purple panicle two-thirds entire height of plant. Throughout. Sandy soil. 19b. Ligule at least .4 mm. long 20 Wm m m 20a. Sheath distinctly flattened . . . 20b. Sheath not distinctly flattened 21 81. Tridens flavus — Purpletop Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, sometimes hairy at top, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, .4 to .8 mm. long; blade 8 to 17 mm. wide, hairy above, smooth at least near base below, margins at least slightly rough. Inflorescence — an open purple or nearly black panicle. New Hampshire south. Old fields. 21a. Plants with short knotty branching rhizomes 82. Setaria geniculata — Knotroot Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .4 to .8 mm. long; blade 5 to 1 1 mm. wide, hairy above at least on lower half, keeled and smooth be- low at least near base, margins smooth to slightly rough and hyaline. In- florescence— dense, bristly, cylindrical, yellow or purplish, erect, spike- like. Massachusetts south. Open ground, cultivated soil, pastures, moist ground and salt marshes. 21b. Plants without rhizomes 83. Setaria lutescens — Yellow Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, keeled, smooth, sometimes sparsely hairy at base, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, .5 to 1 mm. long; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, smooth to slightly rough above and mostly with a few long hairs near base, smooth below at least near base, margins at least slightly rough. Inflo- rescence— dense, bristly, cylindrical, yellow, erect, spike-like. Common throughout. Cultivated soil and waste places. 28 GROUP 7 la. Sheath distinctly flattened 2 lb. Sheath not distinctly flattened 5 2a. Sheath hairy 84. Cenchrus tribuloides — Dune Sandbur Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, keeled, sparsely long or short hairy, split with margins hairy; auricles absent; collar nar- row, sometimes hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 2 mm. long; blade 4 to 7 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, smooth and keeled below, mar- gins smooth to rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— a nearly round, hairy bur with sharp spines. Staten Island, N. Y, south. Loose sands of coast. 2b. Sheath not hairy 3 3a. Sheath loose or inflated 85. Cenchrus pauciflorus— Field Sandbur Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath loose, distinctly flattened, keeled, smooth, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.6 mm. long; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, rough above, keeled and rough below at least near tip, margins rough. Inflorescence— a nearly round, hairy bur with sharp spines. Throughout. Sandy open ground. 3b. Sheath not loose or inflated 4a. Ligule more than 2 mm. long 86. Setaria magna— Giant Millet Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, keeled, smooth, split with overlapping hairy margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2.5 to 3.5 mm. long; blade 15 to 45 mm. wide, rough above and below and on margins, keeled below. Inflorescence- dense, bristly, cylindrical, nodding, spike-like, to 20 in. long. New Jersey south. Marshes and wet places along coast. 4b. Ligule less than 2 mm. long 87. Setaria verticillata— Bristly Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, keeled, smooth, split with overlapping hairy margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.4 mm. long; blade to 8 mm. wide, rough above, smooth near base and rough near tip below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— dense, bristly, cylindrical, erect, spike-like, with barbed bristles. Massachusetts south. Cultivated soil and waste places. • 29 5a. Ligule not more than 2 mm. long 6 5b. Ligule more than 2 mm. long 11 6a. Blade generally more than 15 mm. wide 7 6b. Blade generally 1 5 mm. or less wide 8 7a. Plants with large creeping rhizomes 88. Panicum hemitomen — Maidencane Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or sometimes densely hairy, split with one margin hairy; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.6 mm. long; blade to 22 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins smooth to slightly rough. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with erect, distant branches. New Jersey south on Coastal Plain. Moist soil, often in water. 7b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 89. Setaria italica — Foxtail Millet Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, mostly smooth but may be short hairy or slightly rough, split with over- lapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, some- times divided, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 2 mm. long; blade to 40 mm. wide, rough above, rough below at least near tip, margins rough to very rough. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, yellowish or purplish, spike-like. Cultivated for forage. 8a. Sheath hairy 9 8b. Sheath not hairy 10 9a. Sheath dense long hairy 90. Panicum capillare — Witchgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, dense long hairy, split with overlapping hairy margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1.4 to 1.6 mm. long, fused at base; blade 10 to 13 mm. wide, dense long hairy above, short hairy below, margins long hairy. In- florescence— a very diffuse, densely flowered panicle, about half entire height of plant. Throughout. Cultivated fields, open ground and waste places. 9b. Sheath sparsely short hairy 91. Setaria viridis — Green Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, sparsely short hairy, split with at least one margin hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 2 mm. long; blade 8 to 15 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and below, midrib prominent below, margins rough. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, green or purplish, erect, spike-like. Common throughout. Cultivated soil and waste places. 30 10a. Plants with large creeping rhizomes, only in salt marshes 92. Spartina alterniflora — Smooth Cordgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, indistinct; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 2 mm. long; blade 10 to 12 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins smooth and hyaline. Inflorescence — a series of comb- like spikes forming an appressed panicle. Maine south along coast. Salt marshes, often in water. 10b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 93. Setaria viridis — Green Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided, sometimes hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 2 mm. long; blade 8 to 15 mm. wide, rough above, smooth to somewhat rough below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, green or purplish, erect, spike-like. Common throughout. Cultivated soil and waste places. 1 1 a. Ligule 3 mm. or less long 12 1 1 b. Ligule more than 3 mm. long 17 1 2a. Sheath hairy at least at top 13 1 2b. Sheath not hairy 15 13a. Sheath dense velvety short hairy 94. Panicum scoparium — Velvety Panicum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, dense velvety short hairy, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar medium broad to broad, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1.5 to 3 mm. long; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide, short velvety hairy above and below, margins short hairy. Inflorescence — an open, many branched panicle with sticky blotches on axis and branches. Massachusetts south. Wet or damp soil. 13b. Sheath smooth, hairy at top only 14 14a. Blade smooth above, long hairy near base 95. Panicum amaralum — Bitter Panicgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth and hairy at top, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 3 mm. long, fused at base; blade 10 to 13 mm. wide, smooth above with long hairs near base, smooth and midrib prominent below, margins rough and hyaline with a few long hairs. Inflorescence — a large, compact, densely flowered, slightly nod- ding panicle. New Jersey south. Sandy shores and coast dunes. • 31 1 4b. Blade rough and short hairy above 96. Setaria faberii — Giant Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth and hairy at top, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 3 mm. long; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide, rough and short hairy above, smooth and keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, nodding, spike-like. New York south. Common. Waste and cultivated ground. 15a. Blade not more than 15 mm. wide 97. Panicum virgatum — Switchgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with at least one margin hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, may be hairy on mar- gins; ligule a fringe of hairs 2 to 3 mm. long, fused at base; blade 7 to 15 mm. wide, mostly hairy above at least near base but may be smooth, smooth below at least near base, margins at least slightly rough and hyaline or scarious. Inflorescence — an open, widely spreading panicle. Common throughout. Open ground and brackish marshes. 1 5b. Blade to 20 mm. or more wide 16 1 6a. Blade short hairy above 98. Setaria faberii — Giant Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 3 mm. long, may be fused at base; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide, short hairy above, smooth below at least near base with midrib prominent, margins rough to very rough. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, nodding, spike-like. New York south. Common. Waste and cultivated ground. 16b. Blade rough or short hairy near base only 99. Setaria italica— Foxtail Millet Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth to somewhat rough, split with overlapping hairy margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, sometimes divided, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 3 mm. long; blade to 30 mm. wide, rough above and short hairy near base, slightly rough below with midrib prominent, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, yellowish or purplish, spike- like. Cultivated for forage. 1 7a. Blade not more than 1 5 mm. wide 18 32 17b. Blade 20 to 40 mm. wide 100. Pcnnisctum spp. — Gahi No. 1 Millet Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath somewhat flattened, slightly rough or hairy at top, split with overlapping margins hyaline or hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided, hairy at least on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 3 to 6 mm. long; blade 20 to 40 mm. wide, smooth to slightly rough above and long hairy near base, smooth to rough below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a stiff, cylindrical, very dense panicle. May be cultivated in southern part for forage. 18a. Blade long hairy above and below 101. Panicum villosissimum — White-haired Panicgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath loose, round, long hairy, split with overlapping hairy margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy, ligule a fringe of hairs, 3 to 5 mm. long ; blade 5 to 1 2 mm. wide, long hairy above and below, margins rough. Inflorescence- — a loosely flowered panicle with branches stiffly ascending or spreading. Massachusetts south. Dry or sterile soil. 1 8b. Blade not long hairy above and below 102. Panicum virgatum — Switchgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or somewhat hairy, split with margins overlapping and at least one hairy ; auricles absent ; collar medium broad to broad, may be divided, sometimes hairy on mar- gins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 3 to 6.5 mm. long, may be fused at base; blade 7 to 15 mm. wide, mostly smooth above but may be long hairy near base, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence — an open, widely spreading panicle. Common throughout. Open ground and brackish marshes. GROUP 8 la. Ligule 2 mm. or less long 2 1 b. Ligule more than 2 mm. long 12 2a. Blade 5 mm. or less wide 103. Triplasis purpurea — Purple Sandgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, rough, purplish, split with overlapping margins, hairy at nodes; auricles absent; collar medium broad, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.4 mm. long; blade 3 to 4.5 mm. wide, very rough above and below, margins rough with a few long hairs near base. Inflorescence — a short, few-branched, spreading panicle. Maine south. Dry sand. 2b. Blade more than 5 mm. wide 3 33 3a. Sheath hairy 11 3b. Sheath not hairy 4 4a. Sheath distinctly flattened 9 4b. Sheath not distinctly flattened 5 5a. Collar hairy on margins 104. Spartina pectinata — Prairie Cordgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1.5 to 2 mm. long; blade 6 to 10 mm. wide, - smooth near base and rough near tip above and below, midrib prominent \ below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a series of comb-like spikes forming an appressed panicle. Throughout. Fresh-water marshes. \ 5b. Collar not hairy on margins X ;,.- • • 6 6a. Plants with large creeping rhizomes 7 6b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 105. Setaria faberii — Giant Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, about 2 mm. long; blade to 25 mm. wide, rough above, smooth and keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. In- florescence— dense, bristly, cylindrical, nodding spike-like. New York south. Common. Waste and cultivated ground. 7a. Blade smooth above and below 8 7b. Blade rough above and below at least near tip 106. Tripsacum dactyloides — Eastern Gamagrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, di- vided; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.5 mm. long, may be fused at base; blade 15 to 30 mm. wide, rough above and below at least near tip, mar- gins rough to very rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — 1 to 3 terminal, unisexual spikes. Massachusetts south. Moist places and banks near water. 8a. Widest blades less than 20 mm. wide 107. Spartina alterniflora — Smooth Cordgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, indistinct; ligule a fringe of hairs, to 2 mm. long, may be fused at base and appear mem- branous; blade 10 to 18 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins smooth to slightly rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a series of comb- like spikes forming an appressed panicle. Maine south along coast. Salt marshes, often in water. 34 8b. Widest blades more than 20 mm. wide 108. Phragmites communis — Common Reed Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping scarious margins; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, to 1.2 mm. long, mostly with a few hairs to 6 mm. or more long; blade 20 mm. or more wide, smooth above and below, margins slightly rough. Inflorescence — a large, densely flowered, tawny or purple panicle. South to Maryland. Mostly wet land and marshes. 9a. Blade long hairy near base above 109. Setaria lutescens — Yellow Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, keeled, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided or hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.8 mm. long, may be fused at base; blade 7 to 12 mm. wide, long hairy near base above, smooth below at least near base, margins at least slightly rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, yellow, erect, spike-like. Common throughout. Cultivated soil and waste places. 9b. Blade rough above 10 10a. Margins of collar hairy 110. Cenchrus pauciflorus — Field Sandbur Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping margins hyaline; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.4 mm. long; blade to 6 mm. wide, rough above, keeled and smooth near base but rough near tip be- low, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a nearly round, hairy bur with sharp spines. Throughout. Sandy, open ground. 10b. Margins of collar not hairy 111. Setaria verticillata — Bristly Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheat h distinctly flattened, keeled, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 1.6 mm. long, fused at base; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, rough above, smooth below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, erect, spike-like, with barbed bristles. Massachusetts south. Cultivated soil and waste places. 1 la. Blade 5 to 6 mm. wide 112. Danthonia sericea — Downy Oatgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, long hairy, split with over- lapping margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, .8 to 1.2 mm. long; blade 5 to 6 mm. wide, smooth above, long hairy below, margins long hairy. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with stiff, short branches bearing 2 to 6 spikelets. Massachusetts south. Chiefly Coastal Plain. Sand barrens. • 35 lib. Blade 8 to 1 5 mm. wide 113. Panicum capillare — Witchgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, long hairy, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1 to 2 mm. long, fused at base; blade 8 to 15 mm. wide, hairy above and below, margins rough and long hairy at least near base. Inflorescence — a very diffuse, densely flowered panicle, about half en- tire height of plant. Throughout. Cultivated fields, open ground and waste places. 1 2a. Sheath hairy at least at top or throat 13 1 2b. Sheath not hairy 16 1 3a. Blade not more than 5 mm. wide 114. Danthonia spicata — Poverty Oatgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline mar- gins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule a fringe of hairs, 4 to 6 mm. long; blade 3 to 5 mm. wide, rough above, smooth near base and rough near tip below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with stiff, short branches bearing one spikelet. Throughout. Sandy and sterile or rocky soil. 13b. Blade more than 5 mm. wide 14 14a. Blade hairy above at least near base 15 1 4b. Blade not hairy above 115. Uniola paniculata — Sea Oats Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, indistinct; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2.5 to 3 mm. long; blade 7 to 10 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, smooth below, margins smooth and hyaline. Inflorescence — a pale, condensed, heavy, nodding panicle. East- ern shore of Virginia south. Sand dunes of sea coast. 1 5a. Ligule to 3 mm. long 1 16. Paspalum pubescens — Hairy Paspalum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, keeled, long hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 3 mm. long; blade 8 to 12 mm. wide, long hairy above and below, margins long hairy and hyaline. Inflorescence — 1 to 3 one-sided, spike-like branches with flat, round to oval seed. Vermont south. Common in old fields and pastures. 36 15b. Ligule more than 3 mm. long 117. Panicum amaralum — Bitter Panicgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth with a tuft of hairs at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule a fringe of hairs, 3 to 8 mm. long, fused at base; blade 8 to 13 mm. wide, smooth above and long hairy near base, smooth below with midrib prominent, margins long hairy and hyaline. Inflores- cence—a large, compact, densely flowered, slightly nodding panicle. New Jersey south. Sandy shores and coast dunes. 1 6a. Widest blades to 1 5 mm. wide 17 16b. Widest blades more than 15 mm. wide 18 1 7a. Blade rough above at least near tip 118. Spartina pectinata — Prairie Cordgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad to broad, may be hairy on margins; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 4 mm. long, may be fused at base; blade commonly 10 to 15 mm. wide, rough to very rough above, smooth and mostly glossy below, margin smooth to very rough. Inflores- cence— a series of comb-like spikes forming an appressed panicle. Throughout. Fresh water marshes. 17b. Blade smooth above. 119. Panicum virga turn — Switchgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 4 mm. long; blade 10 to 15 mm. wide, smooth above and mostly hairy near base, smooth below, margins smooth to somewhat rough. Inflorescence — an open, widely spreading panicle. Common throughout. Open ground and brackish marshes. 1 8a. Blade margins very rough, a plant of salt or brackish marshes 120. Spartina cynosuroides — Big Cordgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with over- lapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule a fringe of hairs, 3 to 3.5 mm. long, fused at base; blade to 30 mm. wide, smooth above at least near base, smooth below with midrib prominent, margins very rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— a series of comb-like spikes forming a somewhat open panicle. Massachusetts south. Salt or brackish marshes along coast. 18b. Blade margins smooth to rough, not of salt or brackish marshes 19 37 19a. Collar not hairy 121. Panicum dichotomiflorum — Fall Panicum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 to 3 mm. long, mostly fused at base; blade 15 to 20 mm. wide, mostly smooth above but sometimes slightly rough near tip or sparsely hairy near base, smooth and glossy below, margins smooth to rough. Inflorescence — widely spreading terminal and axillary panicles. Common throughout. Cultivated fields, moist ground and waste places. 19b. Collar hairy 122. Setaria faberii — Giant Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided, hairy; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1.5 to 3 mm. long; blade 15 to 25 mm. wide, rough above, smooth near base and rough near tip below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — dense, bristly, cylindrical, nodding, spike- like. New York south. Common. Waste and cultivated ground. GROUP 9 la. Sheath rolled in bud-shoot 3 lb. Sheath folded in bud-shoot 2 1/ 2a. Auricles present 123. Lolium perenne — Perennial Ryegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened to almost round, smooth, closed to near top; auricles small; collar narrow; ligule mem- branous, to 2 mm. long, rounded, toothed ; blade to 6 mm. wide, smooth above and below, glossy and keeled below, margins slightly rough. In- florescence— a long, narrow, flat spike with unawned spikelets placed edge to rachis. Cultivated throughout. 2b. Auricles absent 124. Glyceria striata — Fowl Mannagrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round to distinctly flattened, smooth to slightly rough, closed to near top ; auricles absent ; collar me- dium broad to broad, may be divided ; ligule membranous, generally 2 to 5 mm. long but may be shorter, rounded to acute ; blade 4 to 8 mm. wide, smooth above and below at least near base, margins smooth to rough, tip boat-shaped. Inflorescence — an open, nodding panicle. Throughout. Moist meadows and wet places. 3a. Ligule more than 3 mm. long 4 38 3b. Ligule 3 mm. or less long 1/ 4a. Blade margins hairy 125. Bromus rigidus — Ripgut Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, hairy, closed to near top; auricles absent; collar narrow, mostly hairy; ligule membranous, 3 to 5 mm. long, rounded, toothed; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, hairy above and below, margins short hairy or sometimes very rough. Inflorescence— an open, nodding, few-flowered panicle with stout awns to 6 in. long. Mary- land south, rare. Open ground and waste places. 4b. Blade margins not hairy 126. Bromus catharticus — Rescue Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat compressed, short hairy, closed to near top; auricles absent; collar medium broad to broad, divided; ligule membranous, 3 to 6 mm. long, rounded, sometimes toothed; blade 7 to about 12 mm. wide, mostly rough above and below but sometimes hairy on one or both surfaces, margin rough or occasion- ally short hairy. Inflorescence— an open, nodding panicle. Only rarely north of Virginia. Waste places. 5a. Blade hairy above 5b. Blade not hairy above 127. Bromus inermis — Smooth Bromegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or frequently short hairy on lower sheaths, closed to near top; auricles absent; collar mostly medium broad to broad and divided; ligule membranous, mostly less than 1 mm. long, truncate to rounded; blade generally to 10 to 15 mm. wide, smooth above and below (rarely short hairy), margins smooth to rough. Inflorescence— an erect, dense panicle. South to Maryland. Fields and waste places. 6b. Sheath densely soft white hairy 9 6b. Sheath not densely soft white hairy 7 7a. Collar hairy at least on margins 128. Bromus sterilis — Barren Chess Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, short hairy, closed to near top; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, divided, hairy; ligule membranous, 2 to about 3 mm. long, rounded, toothed, may be ciliate; blade 5 to 9 mm. wide, short hairy above and below, margins hairy. Inflorescence— an open, nodding few-flowered panicle with awns to about 1 in. long. Throughout. Not common. Fields and waste places. NOTE: The bromegrasses are quite variable in their vegetative char- acteristics and it is not possible to always readily separate the species. The key given here is based on the characteristics most commonly found. • 39 7b. Collar not hairy 8 liffig} il mm m 9 mm Mfi il BR 8a. Sheath smooth or sparsely hairy 129. Bromus secalinus — Cheat Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, mostly smooth but some- times sparsely hairy, closed to near top ; auricles absent ; collar narrow to medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, 1.2 to 2.5 mm. long, rounded, toothed; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, mostly hairy above and below but occasionally smooth, margins rough or short hairy. Inflorescence — an open panicle. Throughout. Not common in southern part. Grain fields and waste places. 8b. Sheath evenly hairy 130. Bromus commutatus — Hairy Cheat Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, short hairy, closed to near top ; auricles absent ; collar narrow to broad, divided ; ligule membranous, mostly 1 to 2 mm. long but at times to 3 mm., rounded, toothed; blade mostly 5 to 10 mm. wide but occasionally to 12 mm., hairy above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — an open panicle. Throughout. Common in southern part. Fields and waste places. 9a. Ligule not more than 1.5 mm. long 10 9b. Ligule more than 1 .5 mm. long 1 ' Mm 4 ' I1 ' IT limit mm m ■■'lll'llh' ftp 10a. Collar hairy at least on margins 131. Bromus japonicus — Japanese Chess Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, densely soft white hairy, closed to near top; auricles absent; collar mostly narrow and divided, generally hairy at least on margins; ligule membranous, mostly .8 to 1.5 mm. long but occasionally longer, rounded and toothed, sometimes cili- ate ; blade mostly to 6 to 8 mm. wide, dense hairy above and below, mar- gins generally hairy. Inflorescence — open, diffuse, somewhat drooping panicle. Vermont south. Common. Waste places. 10b. Collar not hairy 1 32. Bromus mollis — Soft Chess Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, densely soft white hairy, closed to near top ; auricles absent ; collar narrow, divided ; ligule mem- branous, .6 to 1.5 mm. long, rounded, toothed; blade 5 to 9 mm. wide, hairy above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — an erect, con- tracted, crowded panicle. Throughout. Not common. Waste places and cultivated soil. 40 MM Mm in m 11a. Collar hairy at least on margins 133. Bromns tcctorum— Downy Chess Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, densely soft white hairy, frequently purplish, closed to near top; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, divided, mostly hairy; ligule membranous, 1.5 to 3 mm. long, rounded to acute, may be toothed and ciliate; blade mostly 5 to 8 mm wide, hairy above and below and on margins. Inflorescence— a. rather dense, soft, drooping, often purple panicle. Throughout. Waste places. lib. Collar not hairy 134. Bromus arvensis — Field Bromegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, densely soft white hairy, closed to near top; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad; ligule membranous, 1.5 to 3 mm. long, rounded, sometimes toothed; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, hairy above and below, margins rough or sparse long hairy. Inflorescence— an open, diffuse, somewhat drooping panicle. New York south. Cultivated. GROUP 10 1 a. Leaves rolled in bud-shoot a 1 b. Leaves folded in bud-shoot 2a. Sheath hairy at least at top 6 3 2b. Sheath not hairy 3a. Collar hairy on margins 4 3b. Collar not hairy 4a. Blade hairy above, at least near base 135. Setaria geniculata— Knotroot Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule membranous, about .6 mm. long, truncate, short ciliate; blade 5 to 8 mm. wide, rough above and sparse long hairy near base, smooth below at least near base, margins slightly rough at least near tip and hyaline. Inflorescence— dense, bristly, cylindrical, yellow or purplish, erect, spike- like. Massachusetts south. Open ground, cultivated soil, pastures, moist ground and salt marshes. • 41 mm ^m ■^ .y. m mm 4b. Blade not hairy above 136. Uniola laxa — Slender Uniola Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule membranous, .2 to .4 mm. long, truncate; blade to 8 mm. wide, rough above, smooth below and keeled, margins rough. Inflorescence — a slen- der, nodding panicle. Coastal Plain, Long Island south. Moist, shady places. 5a. Plants with creeping rhizomes, blades to 4 in. long 137. Muhlenbergia frondosa — Wirestem Muhly Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, about 1 mm. long; blade 3 to 8 mm. wide, rough above, rough below at least near tip, margins rough. Inflorescence— numerous, slender panicles. Throughout. Not common. Low ground and waste places. 5b. Plants without creeping rhizomes, blades not over 2 '/a in. long 138. Muhlenbergia schreberi — Nimble will Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad to broad, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, .4 to .8 mm. long, trun- cate to rounded ; blade to 7 mm. wide, rough above, rough below at least near tip, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — numerous, slender panicles. New Hampshire south. Lawns, pastures and waste places. 6a. Collar hairy at least on margins 7 6b. Collar not hairy 139. Hordeum jubatum — Squirrel-tail Barley Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided; ligule membranous, about .6 mm. long, truncate; blade 3 to 5 mm. wide, rough above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a dense, very bushy, nodding spike. South to Maryland. Meadows and waste places. 7a. Ligule .2 to .4 mm. long 140. Panicum anceps — Flat-stemmed Panicgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, long hairy at least near top, split with overlapping margins mostly hyaline but some- times one hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, hairy; ligule membranous, .2 to .4 mm. long, truncate, may be ciliate; blade 10 to 18 mm. wide, short hairy above at least on lower half, smooth below with midrib prominent, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a very loose, open panicle. New Jersey south. Moist sandy soil. 42 7b. Ligule .6 to 1 mm. long 141. Paspalum pubescens — Hairy Paspalum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, hairy at least at top, split with at least one overlapping margin hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow, hairy; ligule membranous, .6 to 1 mm. long, rounded; blade 10 to 18 mm. wide, long hairy above, hairy below with midrib prominent, margins long hairy and hyaline. Inflorescence— 1 to 3 one- sided, spike-like branches with flat round to oval seed. Vermont south. Pastures, open ground and old fields. a 8a. Blade tips boat-shaped 8b. Blade tips not boat-shaped 1 1 9a. Plants with slender creeping rhizomes 9b. Plants tufted, without creeping rhizomes 142. Poa annua — Annual Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, .8 to 1 mm. long, rounded; blade to 4 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins smooth at least near base tips boat-shaped. Inflorescence-* small, open, few-branched panicle. Com- mon throughout. Lawns, pastures, open ground and waste places. 10a. Plant bluish-green, somewhat glaucous 143. Poa compressa — Canada Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, keeled, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided, occasionally hairy; ligule membranous, mostly .6 to 1 mm. long, truncate; blade glaucous, to 6 mm. wide, smooth above and below, keeled below, margins at least slightly rough and hyaline tips boat-shaped. Inflorescence— a narrow, short-branched panicle. Com- mon throughout. Meadows, open ground and waste places. 10b. Plant dark green, not glaucous 144. Poa pratensis— Kentucky Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided, sometimes hairy on margins; ligule membranous, .2 to 1 mm. long (mostly .4 to .6), truncate; blade to 5 mm. wide, smooth above but occasionally short hairy, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to slightly rough, tip boat-shaped. Inflorescence— an open pyramidal panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, meadows, open ground and waste places. • 43 11a. Auricles present 145. Lolium perenne — Perennial Ryegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins ; auricles small ; collar narrow to broad, divided; ligule membranous, to .8 or 1 mm. long, truncate to rounded; blade to 4 mm. wide, smooth above, smooth and glossy below, margins smooth to rough and hyaline. Inflorescence- — long, narrow, flat spikes with unawned spikelets placed edge to rachis. Cultivated throughout. lib. Auricles absent 12 1 2a. Sheath hairy at least at top 13 12b. Sheath not hairy 146. Andropogon virginicus — Broomsedge Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with margins hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, mostly hairy on margins; ligule membranous, .4 to .8 mm. long, truncate to rounded, ciliate; blade 3 to 7 mm. wide, hairy near base above, smooth to rough below, margins rough and long hairy. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with feathery branches. New York south. Mostly old fields. 13a. Ligule about .4 mm. long 147. Andropogon ternarius — Silver Beardgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, long hairy, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, about .4 mm. long, truncate, cili- ate; blade 4 to 7 mm. wide, long hairy near base above, rough and keeled below, margins sparsely long hairy and hyaline. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with silver to creamy or grayish feathery branches. Delaware south. Dry sandy soil. 13b. Ligule .6 to 1 mm. long 148. Eleusine indica — Goosegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, hairy at top, split with overlapping margins sometimes hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, .6 to 1 mm. long, truncate, sometimes short ciliate; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, sparsely long hairy near base above, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to rough or some- times long hairy. Inflorescence — 2 to 10 flat spikes at or near summit. Massachusetts south, common. Cultivated fields, open ground and waste places. 44 GROUP 11 la. Blade blue-green (glaucous) above and below 2 1 b. Blade not blue-green 3 2a. Sheath long hairy 149. Paspalum floridanum — Florida Paspalum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, long hairy, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow, hairy at least on margins; ligule membranous, 2 to 3 mm. long, truncate to round- ed; blade to 20 mm. wide, glaucous, long hairy above and below, mar- gins rough and mostly long hairy. Inflorescence — 2 to 5 one-sided spike- like branches with flat, round to oval seed. Coastal Plain, Delaware south. Low moist sandy soil. 2b. Sheath smooth or with a few hairs at top 150. Paspalum floridanum var. glabra turn — Smooth Florida Paspalum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, mostly smooth but may be sparsely hairy near top, split with overlapping margins at times hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, mostly hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long but sometimes to about 3 mm., rounded; blade 10 to 22 mm. wide, glaucous, smooth above and may be long hairy near base, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to rough and sometimes sparsely long hairy. Inflorescence — 2 to 5 one-sided, spike-like branches with flat, round to oval seed. New Jersey south. Brackish marshes and low sandy ground. 3a. Blade hairy above and below 4 3b. Blade not hairy on both surfaces 5 4a. Plant dense velvety hairy 151. Holcus lanatus — Velvet Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, dense velvety short hairy, split with overlapping margins hairy; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided, hairy; ligule membranous, to 3 mm. long, rounded; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, dense velvety short hairy above and below, keeled below, margins short hairy. Inflorescence — A long, con- tracted, pale, purple-tinged panicle. Throughout. Open ground, mead- ows and moist places. • 45 4b. Plant not velvety hairy 152. Digitaria sanguinalis — Common Crabgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, long hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar medium broad to broad, mostly divided, hairy at least on margins; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded to acute, sometimes toothed, often reddish or purplish; blade 5 to 15 mm. wide, hairy above and below, keeled below, margins rough and occasionally hairy. Inflorescence — 3 to 12 digitate spike-like branches. Common throughout. Fields, gardens and waste places. 5a. Sheath and blade very rough 153. Leersia oryzoides — Rice Cut-grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, very rough, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar broad divided, hairy on margins, generally dark; ligule membranous, about 1.5 mm. long, truncate ; blade to 8 mm. wide, very rough above and below and on margins, few hairs near base above. Inflorescence — a spreading, flexuous- branched panicle. Throughout. Marshes, river banks and wet places. 5b. Sheath and blade not very rough 6 6a. Ligule to more than 3 mm. long 154. Paspalum dilitatum — Dallis Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, hairy at least on margins; ligule membranous, to 5 mm. long, rounded to acute; blade 7 to 15 mm. wide, smooth above and mostly long hairy behind ligule, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — 3 to 5 one-sided, spike-like branches with flat, round to oval seed. New Jersey south. Pastures, moist fields and waste ground. 6b. Ligule 3 mm. or less long 7 7a. Plants with creeping rhizomes 155. Leersia virginica — Whitegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, sparsely long hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided; ligule membranous, 1 to 1.5 mm. long, truncate; blade to 8 mm. wide, rough above and below, midrib prominent below and white, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — an open panicle with capillary branches distant. Throughout. Moist places. 7b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 8 46 8a. Blades to 1 5 mm. or more wide 156. Erianthus contortus — Bent-awn Plumegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping margins hyaline ; auricles absent ; collar medium broad, divided, hairy; ligule membranous, 1.5 to 2 mm. long, rounded, ciliate; blade 10 to 15 mm. wide, smooth above and below, keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— a narrow, dense, silky, brownish pan- icle. Coastal Plain, Delaware south. Moist sandy ground. 8b. Blades not more than 1 2 mm. wide 9 9a. Usually growing in large tufts 157. Andropogon gerardi — Big Bluestem Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth or hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, sometimes divided, may be hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 1 to 2.5 or 3 mm. long, truncate to rounded, mostly ciliate; blade 7 to 12 mm. wide, usually with at least a few hairs near base above, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to rough. Inflorescence— 2 or 3 terminal spike-like branches. Throughout. Dry soil and old fields. 9b. Not usually growing in large tufts 10 10a. Blade V-shaped to folded, at least at base 158. Paspalum laeve — Field Paspalum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth but may be hairy at top, split with overlapping hyaline margins (occasionally hairy) ; auricles absent; collar narrow, may be hairy on margins; ligule membranous, mostly 1 to 2.5 mm. long, truncate; blade 8 to 12 mm. wide, smooth above and mostly long hairy near base, smooth and keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— 3 to 4 spreading, one-sided, spike-like branches with flat, round to oval seed. New Jersey south. Mead- ows, old fields and waste ground. 10b. Blade flat 159. Digitaria ischaemum— Smooth Crabgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth or occa- sionally sparsely hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, often divided, may be hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 1.5 to 3 mm. long, truncate to rounded; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, smooth above but mostly with a few hairs at least near base, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to rough and sometimes sparsely long hairy. Inflorescence— 2 to 6 digitate spike-like branches. Common throughout. Lawns, fields and waste places. • 47 GROUP 12 la. Blade with boat-shaped tip 2 1 b. Blade tip not boat-shaped 4 2a. Plants with slender, creeping rhizomes 3 2b. Plants tufted, without creeping rhizomes 160. Poa annua — Annual Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distnictly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded to acute; blade 3 to 6 mm. wide, smooth above, smooth and mostly keeled below, margins smooth and hyaline, tip boat-shaped. Inflorescence — a small, open, few-branched panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, pastures, open ground and waste places. 3a. Plant bluish-green, somewhat glaucous 161. Poa compressa — Canada Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided ; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, truncate to rounded ; blade to about 5 mm. wide (occasionally to 7 mm.), smooth above, smooth to somewhat rough and keeled below, margins smooth to rough and hyaline, tip boat-shaped. Inflorescence — a narrow, short-branched panicle. Common throughout. Meadows, open ground and waste places. 3b. Plant dark green, not glaucous 162. Poa pratensis — Kentucky Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth or rarely very short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, 1 to 1.5 mm. long, truncate; blade to 5 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins slightly rough, tip boat-shaped. Inflorescence — an open, pyramidal panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, meadows, open ground and waste places. 4a. Blade glossy and shining below 163. Lolium perenne — Perennial Ryegrass Leaves folded in but-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles small; collar narrow; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded to acute, may be toothed ; blade to 6 mm. wide, smooth above, smooth and glossy below, margins smooth to slightly rough. Inflorescence — long, narrow, flat spikes with unawned spikelets placed edge to rachis. Cultivated throughout. 4b. Blade not glossy and shining below 5 5a. Plants growing on low, wet soil 164. Andropogon glomcratus — Bushy Bcardgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, rough or long hairy at least along margins, split with overlapping margins hyaline or sometimes hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, di- vided, may be hairy; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded, mostly ciliate, may be toothed; blade 5 to 9 mm. wide, rough above and may be sparsely long hairy near base, smooth to rough and keeled below, margins rough and sometimes sparsely long hairy. Inflorescence— a. dense, brush-like, feathery panicle. Massachusetts south. Low wet soil. 5b. Plants not usually found on low, wet soil 6a. Sheath long hairy, at least along margins 165. Andropogon virginicus — Broomsedge Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, sparsely long hairy at least along margins, split with overlapping margins that may be sparsely long hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, may be hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded, may be cili- ate; blade 4 to 6 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and sometimes long hairy near base, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth or long hairy. Inflorescence—* narrow panicle with feathery branches. New York south. Mostly old fields. 6b. Sheath not long hairy 7a. Plant found only on dune sand along coast 166. Andropogon littoralis — Seashore Beardgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, may be reddish; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded, may be ciliate; blade 4 to 6 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, keeled and rough at least near tip below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflores- cence—a narrow panicle with flexuous, feathery branches. Massachusetts south. Dune sand along coast. 7b. Plant not found on dune sand 8 49 8a. Ligule ciliate 167. Andropogon scoparius — Little Bluestem Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, mostly smooth, may be sparsely short hairy or hairy along margins, split with overlapping margins sometimes hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, may be divided or hairy; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, truncate to rounded, ciliate; blade to 8 mm. wide, mostly rough above and may be hairy near base, keeled and smooth to rough below, margins rough and occasionally long hairy near base. Inflorescence — a narrow panicle with flexuous, feathery branches. Throughout. Dry hills and fields. 8b. Ligule not ciliate 168. Andropogon ternarius — Silver Beardgrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, often purplish, split with overlapping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar mostly narrow, divided, may have a few long hairs on margins; ligule membranous, 1 to 1.6 mm. long, rounded; blade to 7 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and sometimes long hairy, smooth to slightly rough and keeled below, margins mostly rough but may be long hairy at least near base. Inflorescence— a narrow panicle with silvery to creamy or grayish, feathery branches. Delaware south. Dry sandy soil. GROUP 13 la. Plants growing in wet places and shallow water 2 lb. Plants not generally found in wet places 5 2a. Ligule 3 mm. or less long 169. Glyceria canadensis — Rattlesnake Mannagrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth to rough, split with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to me- dium broad, divided; ligule membranous, 2 to 3 mm. long, truncate to rounded; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and below, keeled below, margins smooth to somewhat rough and hyaline. Inflores- cence—an open panicle with branches distant and drooping. Through- out. Bogs and wet places. 2b. Ligule more than 3 mm. long 3 50 3a. Ligule to 4 or 5 mm. long 170. Glyceria striata — Fowl Mannagrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth to rough, split with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, may be divided ; ligule membranous, 2 to 5 mm. long, rounded to acuminate; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, smooth to slightly rough above, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to rough, tip generally boat- shaped. Inflorescence — an open, nodding panicle. Throughout. Moist meadows and wet places. 3b. Ligule to 8 or 10 mm. long 4 4a. Blade 3 to 6 mm. wide 171. Glyceria acutiflora — Creeping Mannagrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split part way with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided; ligule membranous, 4 to 10 mm. long, rounded to acuminate; blade 3 to 6 mm. wide, slightly rough above, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth. Inflorescence- — a narrow panicle with stiff branches bearing 1 to 3 spikelets. New Hampshire south. Wet soil and shallow water. 4b. Blade 7 to 12 mm. wide 172. Glyceria septentrionalis — Eastern Mannagrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, split part way with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, 4 to 8 mm. long, acute; blade 7 to 12 mm. wide, rough above, keeled and smooth below at least near base, margins rough. Inflorescence — a somewhat open panicle with a few long, slender branches. Throughout. Wet places and shallow water. 5a. Blade usually not more than 5 mm. wide, tip boat-shaped ... 6 5b. Blade 6 to 1 2 mm. wide, tip not boat-shaped 173. Dactylis glomcrata — Orchard Grass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth to some- what rough or rarely short hairy, mostly split part way only with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, 3 to 10 mm. long, mostly acuminate; blade 6 to 12 mm. wide, mostly smooth near base and rough near tip above and below, keeled below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a panicle with spikelets crowded in dense clusters at end of the few, stiff branches. Common throughout. Fields, meadows and waste places. 51 6a. Blade tapering to a narrow boat-shaped tip 7 6b. Blade not tapering (parallel-sided), tip abruptly boat-shaped 174. Poa annua — Annual Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth, mostly split part way with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, 1 to 3 mm. long, acute; blade to 4 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins mostly smooth but rough near tip. Inflorescence — a small open, few-branched panicle. Common throughout. Lawns, pastures, open ground and waste places. 7a. Sheath rough and split part way only 175. Poa trivalis — Rough Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, rough, split part way; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, 2 to 6 mm. long, acute, sometimes ciliate; blade 2 to 5 mm. wide, at least slightly rough above, keeled and smooth to rough below, margins rough at least near boat-shaped tip. Inflorescence — an oblong, open panicle. Throughout. Moist places. 7b. Sheath smooth to slightly rough and split to base 176. Poa palustris — Fowl Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath distinctly flattened, smooth to slightly rough, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad to broad, divided ; ligule membranous, 2 to 6 mm. long, rounded to acute; blade 2 to 5 mm. wide (occasionally to 7 mm.) , smooth to rough above and below, keeled below and sometimes glossy, margins smooth to rough and sometimes minutely hairy. Inflorescence — an open, nodding, yellowish-green or purplish panicle. Throughout. Meadows and moist open ground. GROUP 14 la. Ligule notched near front on one or both sides 177. Phleum pratense — Timothy Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad to broad, may be divided, sometimes oblique; ligule membranous, to 4.5 mm. long, rounded, notched near front at least on one side; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, mostly smooth near base and rough near tip above and below, margins rough. Inflorescence- — densely flowered, cylindrical, spike-like. Com- mon throughout. Fields and waste places. lb. Ligule not notched as above 2 52 2a. Blade not more than 5 mm. wide 3 2b. Blade more than 5 mm. wide 5 3a. Blade rough above and below 4 3b. Blade smooth to very slightly rough above and below 178. Alopecurus carolinianus — Field Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, to 4 or 5 mm. long, rounded to acuminate; blade to 4 mm. wide, smooth to slightly rough above and below, margins slightly rough to rough. Inflorescence — soft, dense, cylindrical, spike-like. Long Island south. Moist ground and wet places. j----'-i-'-'7i 4a. Blade 1 .3 to 2 in. long 179. Agrostis hiemalis — Spring Hairgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth to rough, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, mostly divided, generally purple; ligule membranous, to 4 mm. long, rounded to acute, lacerate; blade to 3.5 mm. wide, rough above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a purplish, spreading, slender-branched pani- cle. Massachusetts south. Open ground, fields and waste places. 4b. Blade 3 to 8 in. long 180. Agrostis scabra — Fly-away Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, somewhat rough, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, to 5 mm. long, rounded to acute, lacerate; blade to 5 mm. wide, rough above and below and on margins. Inflores- cence— a very diffuse, purple to green panicle. Throughout. Fields and meadows. 5a. Plants with creeping rhizomes 6 5b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 7 6a. Blade tapering to a narrow base 181. Sorghastrum nutans — Indian Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, frequently hairy near base or at nodes, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, may be divided; ligule membranous, 3 to as much as 10 mm. long, rounded, may be 1- or 2-notched, mostly hairy on back, sometimes ciliate; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, tapering to a narrow base, smooth to rough above and below, keeled below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a narrow, yellowish or reddish-brown panicle. Through- out. Waste places. 53 6b. Blade not tapering to a narrow base 182. Agrostis alba — Red top Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided, may be oblique, sometimes minutely hairy ; ligule membranous, to about 5 mm. long, rounded to acute, may be hairy on back; blade to 10 mm. wide, rough above and below, keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a reddish spreading panicle. Common throughout. Meadows, pastures, lawns and waste places. 7a. Leaves folded in bud-shoot 183. Poa palustris — Fowl Bluegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot ; sheath round, keeled, smooth to slightly rough, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided; ligule membranous, to 9 mm. long, acute; blade to 9 mm. wide, smooth to somewhat rough above and below, keeled and sometimes glossy below, margins smooth to rough, tip narrowly boat- shaped. Inflorescence — an open, nodding, yellowish-green or purplish panicle. Throughout. Meadows and moist open ground. 7b. Leaves rolled in bud-shoot 8 ■ M m 1ft Wrm 8a. Collar hairy on margins 184. Anthoxanthum odoratum — Sweet Vernalgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, frequently hairy near top, split with overlapping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar narrow to broad, mostly divided, hairy on margins ; ligule membranous, to as much as 9 mm. long, mostly rounded, lacerate or toothed, may be short ciliate; blade to 10 mm. wide, rough and mostly short hairy above, mostly short hairy below, margins mostly short hairy. Inflorescence — short, narrow, brownish-yellow, spike-like. Throughout. Meadows, pas- tures and waste places. 8b. Collar not hairy on margins 9 9a. Blade rough above and below 185. Agrostis perennans — Autumn Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, may be indistinct; ligule membranous, to 6 mm. long, rounded to acute; blade to 7 mm. wide, rough above and below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a pale to tawny, open panicle. Throughout. Open ground and old fields. 54 9b. Blade smooth above and below 186. Cinna arundinacca — Stout Woodrccd Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar medium broad ; ligule mem- branous, to 6 mm. long, rounded to acute ; blade 5 to 8 mm. wide, smooth above with a few long hairs near base, smooth and keeled below, margins smooth to slightly rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a many-flowered, nodding, grayish-green panicle with slender branches. Throughout. Moist places mostly in woods. GROUP 15 la. Ligule 10 mm. or more long 187. Zizania aquatica — Annual Wildrice Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule mem- branous, 10 to 17 mm. long, acute; blade 15 to 30 mm. wide, smooth above and below, midrib prominent below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a large, open, unisexual panicle. Throughout. Usually in shallow water. 1 b. Ligule less than 1 0 mm. long 2 2a. Plants found only on sandy seashores and coast dunes 188. Panicum amarum — Seaside Panicum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hairy margins; auricles absent; collar broad, reddish; ligule mem- branous, 2 to 4 mm. long, ciliate; blade 10 to 12 mm. wide, smooth near base and rough near tip above, smooth below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a narrow, appressed panicle, one-fourth to one-third en- tire height of plant. Connecticut south. Sandy seashores and coast dunes. 2b. Plants not found as above 3 3a. Plants with creeping rhizomes 4 3b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 8 4a. Blade smooth above 5 4b. Blade rough above 7 • 55 5a. Blade green except for a conspicuously white midrib 189. Sorghum halepense — Johnson Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, sometimes divided, may be hairy ; ligule membranous, 3 to 6 mm. long, rounded, ciliate; blade 20 to 35 mm. wide, smooth above and below at least near base, midrib white above and prominent below, margins generally rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a large, loose, erect panicle. Massachusetts south. Open ground, fields and waste places. 5b. Blade not as above 6 6a. Blade green 190. Phalaris arundinacea — Reed Canarygrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, may be divided; ligule membranous, 3 to 7 mm. long, rounded to acute, occa- sionally toothed, may be hairy on back; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide (occa- sionally to 30 mm. ) , smooth to slightly rough and rarely hairy near base above, keeled and smooth to rough below, margins usually rough and rarely short hairy near base. Inflorescence — a densely flowered, spread- ing to narrow panicle. Throughout. Marshes, rivers banks and moist places. 6b. Blade striped with white 191. Phalaris arundinacea var. picta — Ribbon Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, 2 to 4 mm. long, rounded; blade to 12 mm. wide, smooth near base and rough near tip above, rough below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a densely flowered, spreading to narrow panicle. Grown for ornament. 7a. Plants glaucous 192. Calamagrostis cinnoides — Reedgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or slightly rough at top, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar nar- row to medium broad, may be divided; ligule membranous, 3 to 6 mm. long, rounded, generally toothed; blade 8 to 15 mm. wide, rough above, keeled and rough below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a contracted panicle with short, erect branches. Throughout. Bogs and moist ground. 56 7b. Plants not glaucous 193. Calamagrostis canadensis — Blucjoint Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth to slightly rough, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar medium broad to broad, divided; ligule membranous, 3 to 5 mm. long, rounded; blade to 1 2 mm. wide, rough above, keeled and smooth to rough below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a loose, open, purple-tinged panicle. South to Maryland and West Virginia. Marshes and wet places. 8a. Widest blades 25 mm. or more 194. Sorghum sudanense — Sudan Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided, sometimes hairy at base; ligule membranous, 3 to 4 mm. long, rounded, ciliate; blade 20 to 40 mm. wide, smooth above and below, midrib white above and prominent below, margins smooth to very rough and hyaline. In- florescence— a large, loose, erect panicle. Cultivated for forage. 8b. Widest blades not more than 20 mm 9 9a. Ligule notched near front on one or both sides 195. Phleum pratense — Timothy Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, mostly keeled, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar mostly broad and divided; ligule membranous, 3 to 6 mm. long, rounded to acute, notched near front on one or both sides, frequently toothed in center; blade to 14 mm. wide, generally smooth near base and rough near tip above and below, keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflores- cence— densely flowered, cylindrical, spike-like. Common throughout. Fields and waste places. 9b. Ligule not notched as above 10 1 Oa. Sheath hairy 1 1 10b. Sheath not hairy 13 11a. Blade densely velvety hairy above and below 196. Holcus lanatus — Velvet Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath loose, round, dense velvety short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, usually divided, hairy; ligule membranous, to 3 mm. long, rounded, may be toothed and ciliate; blade to 16 mm. wide, velvety short hairy above and below, keeled near base below, margins short hairy. Inflorescence — a long, contracted, pale, purple-tinged pani- cle. Throughout. Open ground, meadows and moist places. • 57 lib. Blade not dense velvety hairy 12 12a. Sheath short hairy 197. Avena sativa — Oats Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, short hairy, split with over- lapping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar narrow, divided, sparse hairy on margins ; ligule membranous, 3 to 4 mm. long, rounded, toothed ; blade to 14 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, keeled and smooth near base but rough near tip below, margins short hairy and hyaline. Inflores- cence— a loose, open panicle. Cultivated. 12b. Sheath long hairy 198. Digitaria sanguinalis — Common Crabgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, long hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, mostly divided, hairy at least on margins; ligule membranous, 3 to 4 mm. long, rounded, may be toothed; blade to 12 mm. or more wide, rough and sometimes hairy above and below, keeled below, margins rough and occasionally hairy. Inflorescence — 3 to 12 digitate spike-like branches. Common throughout. Fields, gardens and waste places. 13a. Blade rough above 199. Avena fatua— Wild Oats Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided; ligule membranous, 3 to 5.5 mm. long, rounded, mostly toothed; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide, rough above, smooth near base and rough near tip below with midrib prominent, margins rough and hyaline and in young plants sometimes hairy near base. Inflorescence— a loose, open panicle. Rare in Northeast. Cultivated fields and waste places. 1 3b. Blade smooth above at least near base 200. Avena sativa — Oats Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule mem- branous, 3 to 4 mm. long, rounded, toothed; blade 10 to 14 mm. wide, smooth near base and rough near tip above and below, keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a loose, open panicle. Cul- tivated. 58 GROUP 16 la. Leaves folded in bud-shoot 201. Lolium perenne — Perennial Ryegrass Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles small; collar narrow to medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, .6 to 2 mm. long, truncate to rounded; blade to 6 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, smooth and glossy and keeled below, margins smooth and hyaline. Inflorescence— long, narrow, flat spikes with unawned spikelets placed edge to rachis. Cultivated throughout. lb. Leaves rolled in bud-shoot 2a. Plants with white creeping rhizomes 202. Agropyron repens — Quackgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, mostly short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles small; collar mostly medium broad, may be divided, sometimes minutely hairy; ligule membranous, mostly .2 to .4 mm. long but occasionally to 1 mm., truncate to rounded, may be finely toothed or ciliate; blade 5 to 12 mm. wide, rough and mostly hairy above, mostly keeled and smooth or short hairy below, margins rough (rarely short hairy) and hyaline. Inflorescence— a long, narrow spike with spikelets placed side to rachis. Common throughout. Fields, meadows and waste places. o 2b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 3a. Plant glaucous, a cultivated winter annual 203. Secale cereale— Rye Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles small; collar mostly broad; ligule mem- branous, 1 to 1.6 mm. long (Tetra Petkus, mostly longer), rounded, lacerate, may be ciliate; blade 8 to 18 mm. wide, glaucous above and be- low, rough above, smooth and keeled below at least near base, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— a narrow, crowded spike. Cultivated winter annual. 3b. Plants not glaucous 4a. Auricles hairy 4b. Auricles not hairy 6 • 59 5a. Blade margins smooth 204. Triticum aestivum — Wheat Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles small, mostly long hairy; collar broad; ligule membranous, 1 to 1.6 mm. long, rounded, lacerate, may be ciliate; blade 7 to 1 1 mm. wide, smooth near base and rough near tip above, smooth below and keeled near base, margins smooth and hyaline. In- florescence— a crowded, thick spike. Cultivated winter annual. 5b. Blade margins rough 205. Festuca arundinacea — Tall Fescue Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or occasionally rough, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles small, short hairy; collar broad, divided, mostly hairy on margins; ligule membra- nous, to 1.2 mm. long but mostly .4 mm. or less, truncate; blade mostly 5 to 10 mm. wide (rarely to 15 mm.) , smooth to rough above, glossy be- low and smooth at least near base with a prominent midrib, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — an erect or nodding, somewhat con- tracted panicle. More common in southern half of region. Meadows and damp waste places. 6a. Auricles large and long 206. Hordeum vulgare — Barley Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles large and long; collar broad, di- vided; ligule membranous, 1.5 to 3 mm. long, rounded; blade 8 to 13 mm. wide, rough above at least near tip, keeled and smooth below at least near base, margins smooth and hyaline. Inflorescence — a dense, erect, thick spike. Cultivated winter annual. 6b. Auricles small and slender 7 7a. Blade midrib white above, growing in large bunches 207. Miscanthus sinensis — Eulalia Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles short and blunt; collar broad, divided, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 2.5 to 3 mm. long, rounded, cili- ate; blade 8 to 18 mm. wide, smooth near base and rough near tip above and mostly with a few long hairs near base, smooth below with a promi- nent midrib (rarely sparse hairy), margins very rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a fan-shaped, silky panicle. Cultivated for ornament, growing wild in some localities. 7b. Blade midrib not white above 8 8a. Blade glossy below 9 60 — ' — — : 7- 8b. Blade not glossy below ^ 9a. Ligule 1 to 2 mm. long 208. Lolium multiflorum — Annual Ryegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles small; collar broad, may be divided ; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, truncate to rounded ; blade mostly 3 to 7 mm. wide (rarely to 10 mm.), smooth above, smooth and glossy below, margins smooth and hyaline. Inflorescence— long, narrow flat spikes with awned spikelets placed edge to rachis. Cultivated throughout. 9b. Ligule generally less than 1 mm. long 10 10a. Blade 10 mm. or more wide 209. Hystrix patula — Bottlebrush Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth to hairy, split with overlapping margins hyaline or one hairy; auricles small; collar narrow to broad; ligule membranous, .2 to .6 mm. long, truncate to rounded; blade 10 to 25 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and below, keeled and glossy below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— a loosely flow- ered, bristly, erect or nodding spike. Throughout. Infrequent in moist places. 10b. Blade less than 10 mm. wide 210. Festuca clatior — Meadow Fescue Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles small; collar broad, mostly divided ; ligule membranous, .2 to 1 mm. long, truncate; blade 3 to 9 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, smooth and glossy below, margins rough. Inflorescence —an erect or nodding, somewhat contracted panicle. Throughout. Meadows and waste places. 11a. Ligule to at least 1 mm. long 211. Elymus canadensis— Canada Wild-rye Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping margins hyaline or one hairy; auricles small; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, to 1.5 mm. long, truncate, may be toothed and cili- ate; blade 8 to 20 mm. wide, at least slightly rough above, keeled and smooth below at least near base, margins rough. Inflorescence— a dense, bristly, nodding or drooping spike. Massachusetts south. River banks, open ground and sandy soil. 1 1 b. Ligule less than 1 mm. long 1 2 • 61 12a. Blade hairy above 212. Elymus villosus — Hairy Wild-rye Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with one over- lapping margin hyaline and one hairy; auricles small; collar medium broad, divided; ligule membranous, about .4 mm. long, truncate; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, short hairy above and below, keeled near base below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a dense, bristly, drooping spike. Vermont south. Shady and mostly damp places. 12b. Blade not hairy above 213. Elymus riparius — Riverbank Wild-rye 214. Elymus virginicus — Virginia Wild-rye Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or sometimes rough, rarely short hairy, split with overlapping margins both hyaline or both hairy or one hairy; auricles small; collar broad, divided; ligule membra- nous, .2 to .6 mm. long, truncate; blade 5 to 14 mm. wide, rough above, keeled and smooth to rough below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflores- cence— a dense, bristly, erect spike. Throughout. Moist ground and along streams. GROUP 17 la. Plant with creeping rhizomes 2 1 b. Plant without creeping rhizomes 3 2a. Collar hairy on margins 215. Muhlenbergia frondosa — Wirestem Muhly Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, about 1 mm. long, rounded ; blade to 8 mm. wide, rough above, rough below at least near tip, margins rough. Inflorescence — numerous, slender panicles. Throughout. Not common. Low ground and waste places. 2b. Collar not hairy on margins 216. Leersia virginica — Whitegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath somewhat flattened, rough and hairy at base, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad ; ligule membranous, .6 to 1 mm. long, truncate, may be toothed; blade to 10 mm. wide, rough above and below, some- times short hairy below, margins rough. Inflorescence — an open panicle with capillary branches distant. Throughout. Moist places. 3a. Collar hairy at least on margins 4 62 3b. Collar not hairy 4a. Ligule minute, not more than .2 mm. long 4b. Ligule .4 to .8 mm. long 217. Muhlenbcrgia schrcberi— Nimblewill Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, .4 to .8 mm. long, truncate to rounded; blade to 7 mm. wide, rough above and below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— numerous slender panicles. New Hampshire south. Lawns, pastures and waste places. 5a. Blade short hairy above and below 218. Microstegium vimineum var. imberbe — Basketgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, hairy at top, split with one overlapping margin hairy and one hyaline; auricles absent; collar narrow, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, about .2 mm long truncate, very short ciliate; blade 3 to 10 mm. wide (mostly to about 5 mm ) short hairy above and below, margins smooth to slightly rough. Inflorescence— 1 to 6 terminal spike-like branches. Southeastern Penn- sylvania south. Shaded banks and roadsides. Infrequent. 5b. Blade not hairy 219. Sporobolus clandestinus— Scratch Dropseed Leaves folded in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, hairy; ligule membranous, minute; blade to 5 mm. wide, smooth to sliehtly rough above, smooth and glossy below, margins smooth to slight- ly rough. Inflorescence-* narrow, contracted panicle. Connecticut south. Sandy fields. 6a. Plant with short stolons 220. Agrostis tenuis — Colonial Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided and hairy on margins; ligule membranous, to 1 mm. long, truncate; blade 3 to 5 mm wide, smooth to rough above and below, margins rough and hya- line. Inflorescence-zn open delicate panicle. Common throughout. Pastures, lawns and waste places. 6b. Plant without stolons 7a. Widest blades 8 to 10 mm. wide (rarely to only 7 mm.) 8 7b. Widest blades to 6 mm., rarely more 9 • 63 8a. Stems below ground with a series of bulbs 221. Arrhenatherum elatius var. bulbosum — Bulbous Oatgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or sometimes short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, to 1 mm. long, rounded, toothed; blade to 10 mm. wide, rough and sometimes sparsely short hairy above, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a narrow, pale or purplish, shining panicle. Delaware, West Virginia south. Occasionally a weed in fields. 8b. Stems below ground without a series of bulbs 222. Arrhenatherum elatius — Tall Oatgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar broad, divided ; ligule mem- branous, .4 to .8 mm. long, truncate; blade to 10 mm. wide, rough above, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a narrow, pale or purplish, shining panicle. Throughout. Meadows, open ground and waste places. 9a. Plants densely tufted, perennial 10 9b. Plants not densely tufted, annual 223. Hordeum pusillum — Little Barley Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth or short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, may appear divided; ligule membranous, .2 to .6 mm. long (occasionally to 1 mm. ) , truncate ; blade 3 to 6 mm. wide smooth to somewhat rough or sometimes short hairy above, smooth or occasionally short hairy below, margins rough or short hairy. Inflorescence — a dense, short-bristly, flat- tened-cylindric spike. Delaware south. Open ground. 10a. Sheath thin, often shredded 224. Hordeum brachyantherum — Meadow Barley Leaves rolled in bud -shoot ; sheath round, smooth or short hairy, split with overlapping margins hyaline or hairy; auricles absent; collar nar- row; ligule membranous, .4 to .6 mm. long, truncate; blade mostly 3 to 6 mm. wide, rough above, smooth to rough below, margins rough. Inflores- cence— a dense, short-bristly, flattened-cylindric spike. Maine to New York. Meadows, bottom lands, salt marshes. Not common. 10b. Sheath not as above 225. Hordeum jubatum — Squirrel-tail Barley Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth or short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to me- dium broad, may be divided; ligule membranous, .4 to 1 mm. long, truncate to rounded, may be toothed or ciliate; blade 3 to 6 mm. wide, rough or short hairy above, smooth or rough or occasionally short hairy below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a dense, very bushy, nodding spike. South to Maryland. Meadows and waste places. 64 GROUP 18 1 a. Sheath split part way only 2 1 b. Sheath split to near base 3 2a. Ligule to 1.8 mm. long 226. Bromus japonicus — Japanese Chess Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, densely soft white hairy, split part way with hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, hairy at least on margins; ligule membranous, .8 to 1.8 mm. long, rounded, toothed or lacerate, sometimes ciliate ; blade mostly 5 to 8 mm. wide, dense short hairy above and below, margins hairy. Inflorescence — an open, diffuse, somewhat drooping panicle. Vermont south. Common. Waste places. 2b. Ligule 2 mm. or more long 227. Bromus tectorum — Downy Chess Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, densely soft white hairy, split part way; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, divided, mostly hairy; ligule membranous, 1.5 to 3 mm. long, rounded to acute, may be toothed and ciliate; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, hairy above and be- low and on margins. Inflorescence — a rather dense, soft, drooping, often purple panicle. Throughout. Waste places. 3a. Blade densely velvety hairy above and below 228. Holcus lanatus — Velvet Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath loose, round, dense velvety short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, usually divided, hairy; ligule membranous, to 3 mm. long, truncate to rounded, may be toothed and ciliate; blade mostly 5 to 10 mm. wide, dense velvety short hairy above and below, margins short hairy. Inflorescence — a long, contracted, pale, purple- tinged panicle. Throughout. Open ground, meadows and moist places. 3b. Blade not as above 4 4a. Plant with short creeping rhizomes 229. Anthoxanthum odoratum — Sweet Vernalgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, frequently hairy near top, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, mostly 1 to 2.5 mm. long, but at times to as much as 9 mm., rounded, may be lacerate or toothed or ciliate; blade to 10 mm. wide, mostly hairy above at least near base, smooth or short hairy below, margins very variable. Inflorescence — short, narrow, brownish-yellow, spike-like. Throughout. Miadows, pastures and waste places. • 65 4b. Plant without creeping rhizomes 5 5a. Blade smooth above and below 230. Arrhenatherum elatius — Tall Oatgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or sometimes sparsely short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins ; auricles ab- sent; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, 1 to 2.5 mm. long, trun- cate, toothed; blade to 10 mm. wide, smooth above and below, margins slightly rough. Inflorescence — a narrow, pale or purplish, shining pan- icle. Throughout. Meadows, open ground and waste places. 5b. Blade rough or short hairy on one or both surfaces 231. Sphenopholis obtusata — Prairie Wedgegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, short hairy, split with over- lapping margins hyaline or sometimes hairy; auricles absent; collar nar- row, may be divided; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, truncate to rounded, mostly toothed ; blade 3 to 8 mm. wide, slightly rough to rough or short hairy above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a dense, erect, spike-like panicle. Throughout. Old fields and moist ground. GROUP 19 la. Blade 4 mm. or less wide 2 1 b. Blade more than 4 mm. wide 4 2a. Plant with creeping rhizomes or stolons 3 2b. Plant without rhizomes or stolons 232. Agrostis perennans — Autumn Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins ; auricles absent ; collar narrow to medium broad ; ligule membranous, to 2 mm. long, rounded to acute; blade to 4 mm. wide, rough above and below and on margins. Inflorescence— a. pale to tawny, open panicle. Throughout. Open ground and old fields. 3a. Ligule 2 to 3 mm. long 233. Agrostis palustris — Creeping Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad; ligule membranous, 1 to 3 mm. long, rounded to acute, may be toothed; blade 2 to 4 mm. wide, smooth to rough above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a narrow, dense, pale or purple panicle. Marshes along coast. Also cultivated for putting greens. 66 3b. Ligule not more than 1.2 mm. long 234. Agrostis tenuis — Colonial Bent Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, may be divided; ligule membranous, to 1.2 mm. long, truncate; blade to 4 mm. wide, rough above, smooth below, margins rough. Inflorescence — an open, delicate panicle. Common throughout. Pastures, lawns and waste places. 4a. Plants found only on coastal sand dunes 235. Ammophila breviligulata — American Beachgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth to slightly rough, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided; ligule membranous, 1 to 3 mm. long, rounded, may be short ciliate; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, generally stiff, rough above, smooth and glossy below, margins smooth and hyaline and generally rolled in- ward. Inflorescence— pale, dense, nearly cylindrical, spike-like. Maine south. Sand dunes along coast. 4b. Plants not found on coastal sand dunes 5 5a. Plants with creeping rhizomes 236. Agrostis alba — Redtop Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided; ligule membranous, to 3 mm. long, rounded, may be toothed ; blade 4 to 10 mm. wide, mostly rough above and below, margins rough and hya- line. Inflorescence — a reddish, spreading panicle. Common throughout. Meadows, pastures, lawns and waste places. 5b. Plants without creeping rhizomes 6 6a. Ligule notched near front on one or both sides 237. Phleum pratense — Timothy Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar mostly broad and divided; ligule membranous, to 2 mm. long, rounded, notched near front on one or both sides; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, smooth above and below at least near base, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — densely flowered, cylindrical, spike-like. Common throughout. Fields and waste places. 6b. Ligule not notched as above 7 • 67 7a. Blade 4 to 6 inches long 238. Alopecurus pratensis — Meadow Foxtail Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles, absent; collar medium broad, mostly divided ; ligule membranous, 1 to 3 mm. long, truncate to rounded, may be toothed and ciliate ; blade 5 to 9 mm. wide, rough above, smooth to slightly rough below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — soft, dense, cylindrical, spike-like. South to Delaware. Fields and waste places. 7b. Blade to 20 inches long 8 ■ ■'.'•■■■, i- v'i .-*-.• W-7*.-- *:•■:*■•■'■ 8a. Stems below ground with a series of bulbs 239. Arrhenatherum elatius var. bulbosum — Bulbous Oatgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or sometimes short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided; ligule membranous, to 1.4 mm. long, truncate, may be very short ciliate; blade to 10 mm. wide rough and sometimes sparsely short hairy above, smooth below at least near base, margins rough. Inflorescence — a narrow, pale or purplish, shining panicle. Dela- ware, West Virginia south. Occasionally a weed in fields. 8b. Stems below ground without a series of bulbs 240. Arrhenatherum elatius — Tall Oatgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, may be divided; ligule membranous, to 2.5 mm. long, truncate to rounded, may be toothed and ciliate; blade 5 to 10 mm. wide, smooth to rough or some- times short hairy above, smooth to rough below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a narrow, pale or purplish, shining panicle. Throughout. Meadows, open ground and waste places. GROUP 20 la. Ligule .6 mm. or less long 2 1 b. Ligule 1 mm. or more long 3 2a. Blade not more than 1 1 mm. wide 241. Eragrostis spectabilis — Purple Lovegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, hairy at least at throat, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided; ligule membranous, to .2 mm. long; blade to 11 mm. wide, long hairy near base above, smooth below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a diffuse, bright purple panicle two-thirds entire height of plant. Throughout. Sandy soil. 2b. Blade to 20 mm. or more wide 242. Hystrix patula — Bottlcbrush Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, rough and long hairy, split with overlapping margins hyaline or one hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad; ligule .2 to .6 mm. long, truncate; blade to 25 mm. wide, smooth above, smooth below at least near base, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a loosely flowered, bristly, erect or nodding spike. Throughout. Infrequent in moist places. 3a. Blade very rough above and below and on margins 243. Leersia oryzoides — Rice Cut-grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, very rough, split with over- lapping margins hyaline or one hairy; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided, sometimes short hairy; ligule membranous, .8 to 1.5 mm. long, truncate; blade to 14 mm. wide, very rough above and below and on margins. Inflorescence — a spreading flexuous-branched panicle. Throughout. Marshes, riverbanks and wet places. 3b. Blade not very rough 4 ml'' W7 i 1 4a. Sheath and blade dense velvety hairy 244. Holcus lanatus — Velvet Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath loose, round, dense velvety hairy, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to medium broad, usually divided, hairy; ligule membranous, 1.5 to 2 mm. long, rounded; blade to 12 mm. dense velvety short hairy above and below, keeled below, margins short hairy. Inflorescence — a long, contracted, pale, purple-tinged panicle. Throughout. Open ground, meadows and moist places. 4b. Sheath and blade not dense velvety hairy 5 5a. Blade blue-green (glaucous) above and below 245. Paspalum floridanum var. glabratum — Smooth Florida Paspalum Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping margins at times hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, sometimes hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, rounded, may be ciliate ; blade to 25 mm. wide, glaucous above and below, long hairy near base above, smooth below with midrib prominent, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — 2 to 5 one-sided, spike-like branches with flat, round to oval seed. New Jersey south. Brackish marshes and low sandy ground. 5b. Blade not blue-green 6 6a. Growing in large bunches, blades to 40 inches long • 69 6b. Not as above 9 W' .I'llljll' 7a. Blade green except for midrib white above 246. Miscanthus sinensis — Eulalia Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth or occasionally short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long rounded, ciliate; blade 8 to 18 mm. wide, smooth near base and rough near tip above with a few long hairs near base, smooth below, midrib white above and prominent below, margins rough to very rough and hyaline. Inflores- cence— a fan-shaped, silky panicle. Cultivated for ornament, growing wild in some localities. 7b. Blade with yellow or yellowish-white markings 8 8a. Blade with yellow or yellowish-white stripes 247. Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus — Striped Eulalia Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow; ligule membranous, about 1 mm. long, truncate, ciliate; blade to 14 mm. wide, smooth above with yellow or yellowish-white stripes and short hairy near base, smooth below, margins very rough. Inflorescence — a fan-shaped, silky panicle. Cultivated for ornament. 8b. Blades with irregular yellowish cross-bands 248. Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus — Zebra Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth or hairy, split with overlapping margins hyaline or hairy; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided, hairy on margins; ligule mem- branous, 1 to 1.8 mm. long, rounded, mostly ciliate; blade to 18 mm. wide, long hairy near base above with midrib white, and with irregular yellowish cross-bands, smooth below with midrib prominent, margins very rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a fan-shaped, silky panicle. Cul- tivated for ornament, occasionally growing wild. 9a. Plants of wet land 10 9b. Plants not generally found on wet land 11 1 0a. Blade rough above, mostly with a few long hairs near base 249. Erianthus contortus — Bent-awn Plumegrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, sometimes with a few hairs at top, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow, divided, may be long hairy on margins; ligule membra- nous, 1 to 2 mm. long, truncate, ciliate; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide, sparsely long hairy near base above with midrib whitish or reddish, smooth below with midrib prominent, margins rough and sometimes long hairy. In- florescence— a narrow, dense, silky, brownish panicle. Coastal Plain, Delaware south. Moist sandy land. 70 10b. Blade smooth or very slightly rough above 250. Erianthus coarctatus — Slender Plumcgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath somewhat flattened, smooth, long hairy at top and hairy at nodes, split with overlapping margins; auricles absent; collar broad, hairy; ligule membranous, to 1.6 mm. long, trun- cate, ciliate; blade to 15 mm. wide, smooth above and below, midrib whitish to reddish above and prominent below, margins rough and hya- line. Inflorescence — a narrow, dense, silky, purplish-brown panicle. Delaware south. Peaty, sandy, moist meadows and margins of swamps. 1 1 a. Blade with midrib conspicuously white above 251. Sorghum sudanense — Sudan Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, may be hairy at base, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided ; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, truncate to rounded, may be ciliate; blade to 25 mm. or more wide, smooth above and below or sometimes sparsely hairy near base above, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a large, loose, erect panicle. Cultivated for forage. 1 1 b. Blade midrib not white above 252. Arrhenatherum elatius — Tall Oatgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad; ligule membranous, 1 to 2 mm. long, truncate; blade to 12 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, keeled and smooth below at least near base, margins at least slightly rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a narrow, pale or purplish, shining panicle. Throughout. Meadows, open ground and waste places. GROUP 21 la. Blade wth midrib conspicuously white above 2 lb. Blade midrib not white above 3 2a. Plant with large creeping rhizomes 253. Sorghum halepense — Johnson Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round to somewhat flattened, smooth, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, may be divided, sometimes hairy; ligule membranous, 2 to 3 mm. long, rounded, ciliate ; blade to 35 mm. wide, smooth above and below at least near base, midrib white above and prominent below, margins generally rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a large, loose, erect panicle. Massachusetts south. Open ground, fields and waste places. • 71 2b. Plant without rhizomes 254. Sorghum sudanense — Sudan Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, sometimes hairy at base, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, 1 to 3 mm. long, rounded, ciliate, may be toothed; blade 20 to 40 mm. wide, smooth above and below, midrib white above and prominent below, margins mostly rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a large, loose, erect panicle. Cultivated for forage. 3a. Ligule notched near front on one or both sides 255. Phleum pratense — Timothy Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar mostly broad, divided, may be sparsely short hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 1 to 3 mm. long, rounded to acute, with a distinct notch near front on one or both sides ; blade to 14 mm. wide, mostly smooth near base and rough near tip above and below, margins rough. Inflorescence — densely flowered, cylindrical, spike-like. Common throughout. Fields and waste places. 3b. Ligule not notched as above 4 m « ill 4a. Blade densely velvety hairy above and below 256. Holcus lanatus — Velvet Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath loose, round, dense velvety short hairy, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar mostly narrow, divided, hairy; ligule membranous, 1 to 3 mm. long, trun- cate to rounded, toothed ; blade to 14 mm. wide, dense velvety short hairy above and below, keeled below, margins short hairy. Inflorescence— a. long, contracted, pale, purple-tinged panicle. Throughout. Open ground, meadows and moist places. 4b. Blade not densely velvety hairy 5 5a. Plant with long creeping rhizomes 6 5b. Plant without creeping rhizomes 7 6a. Blade green with white stripes 257. Phalaris arundinacea var. picta — Ribbon Grass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth to slightly rough, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, 2 to 3 mm. long, rounded; blade white striped, to 18 mm. wide, smooth near base and somewhat rough near tip above and below, midrib prominent below, margins rough. Inflorescence — a densely flowered, spreading to narrow panicle. Cultivated for orna- ment. 72 6b. Blade without white stripes 258. Phalaris arundinacea — Reed Canarygrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided; ligule 2 to 3 mm. long, rounded, occasionally toothed; blade 10 to 20 mm. wide, smooth to slightly rough and rarely hairy near base above, keeled and smooth to rough below, margins rough and rarely short hairy near base. Inflorescence — a densely flowered, spreading to narrow panicle. Throughout. Marshes, riverbanks and moist places. 7a. Collar hairy on margins 259. Anthoxanthum odoratum — Sweet Vernalgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, frequently hairy near top, split with overlapping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar narrow to broad, divided, hairy on margins; ligule membranous, 2 to 3 mm. long, rounded, may be lacerate or toothed or ciliate ; blade to 1 2 mm. wide, mostly hairy above at least near base, smooth or short hairy below, margins very variable. Inflorescence — short, narrow, brownish- yellow, spike-like. Throughout. Meadows, pastures and waste places. 7b. Collar not hairy on margins 8 8a. Blades to not more than 12 mm. wide 260. Arrhenatherum elatius — Tall Oatgrass Leaves rolled in bud-shoot ; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping margins ; auricles absent ; collar broad ; ligule membranous, 1 .5 to 3 mm. long, truncate, toothed, may be short ciliate; blade to 12 mm. wide, smooth to rough above, keeled and smooth below, margins at least slightly rough and hyaline. Inflorescence — a narrow, pale or purplish, shining panicle. Throughout. Meadows, open ground and waste places. 8b. Blades at least 1 5 mm. wide 261. A vena sativa — Oats Leaves rolled in bud-shoot; sheath round, smooth, split with overlap- ping hyaline margins; auricles absent; collar broad, divided; ligule membranous, 2 to 3 mm. long, rounded, toothed ; blade to 20 mm. wide, smooth near base and rough near tip above and below, keeled below, margins rough and hyaline. Inflorescence— a. loose, open panicle. Cultivated. 73 GLOSSARY Acuminate — Gradually tapering to a very sharp point. Acute — Sharp -pointed, but less ta- pering than acuminate. Auricle — Claw-like projections at the base of the blade. Awn — A slender bristle at the end or on the back of the glumes of a grass floret. Axillary — In the angle between a leaf and its stem or between a branch and its axis. Axis — The main stem of a panicle. Blade — The upper, non-clasping part of the leaf above the collar and ligule. Bristle-like — Resembling a bristle. Applied to narrow blades that are rolled or folded. Bud-shoot — The growing uppermost leaf as it emerges from the sheath below. Capillary — Very slender or hairlike. Ciliate — Fringed with hairs on the margin. Collar — The area, mosdy lighter in color, on the outside of the grass leaf at the junction of the sheath and blade. Contracted — Said of an inflorescence that is narrow or dense, the branches short or close to axis. Decumbent — Curved upward from a horizontal or inclined base. Dense — Said of an inflorescence in which the spikelets are crowded close together. Diffuse — Open and much branched. Digitate- — Arising from the top of stem, finger-like. Drooping — Erect to spreading at base but bending downward above. Flexuous — Bent alternately in oppo- site directions. Fused — United by normal growth. Glaucous — Covered with a waxy coating that gives a blue-green color. Hyaline — Thin and translucent or transparent. Inflorescence — The flowering part of a plant. Keeled — Angle or ridge on back of sheath or blade usually formed by midrib. Lacerate — Torn or cut at the edge as though frayed. Ligule — A thin membrane or fringe of hairs on the inside of the leaf at the junction of the blade and sheath. Loose — Open, the opposite of dense or compact. Node — The joint of a stem, gener- ally slighdy enlarged. Panicle — A compound or branched inflorescence with the lower branches longer than the upper. Rachis — The axis of a spike. Rhizome — A creeping, underground stem which roots and develops new plants at the nodes. Rough — Rough to the touch due to minute points or teeth. Sheath — The lower part of the leaf that encloses the stem or shoot. Smooth — Not rough to the touch and without hairs. Spike — An unbranched inflorescence with spikelets attached directly to the axis (not on a pedicel or branch). Spikelet — The unit of the inflores- cence of grasses, consisting of two glumes and one or more florets. Spreading — Said of panicles when the branches have an outward direction. Stolon — An above ground creeping stem which roots and develops new plants at the nodes or tip. Tawny — Pale brown or dirty yellow. Throat — The V-shaped area at top of sheath formed by the mar- gins. Truncate — Ending abruptly, more or less straight across. REFERENCES The following publications have been found most useful in the preparation of this identification key : 1. Bennett, Hugh W., Hammons, R. O., and Weissinger, W. R., Iden- tification of Certain Mississippi Grasses by Vegetative Morphology. Miss. Agr. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bui. 31, 1950. 2. Blomquist, H. L., The Grasses of North Carolina. Duke University Press, 1948. 3. Carrier, Lyman, The Identifica- tion of Grasses by Their Vegetative Characters. U.S.D.A. Bui. 461, 1917. 4. Clark, S. E., Campbell, J. A., and Shevkenek, W., The Identifica- 74 • Hon of Certain Native and Natural- ized Grasses by Their Vegetative Characters. Dom. of Canada, Dept. Agr. Pub. No. 762, 1944. 5. Copple, R. F., and Aldous, A. E., The Identification of Certain Native and Naturalized Grasses by Their Vegetative Characters. Kan. Agr. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bui. 32, 1932. 6. Hitchcock, A. S., Manual of the Grasses of the United States. U.S.D.A. Misc. Pub. 200, 1935, 2nd Ed. rev. Chase, Agnes, 1950. 7. Keim, F. D., Beadle, G. W., and Frolik, A. L., The Identification of the More Important Prairie Hay Grasses of Nebraska by Their Vegeta- tive Characters. Neb. Agr. Exp. Sta. Res. Bui. 65, 1932. 8. Nowosad, F. S., Newton Swales, D. E., and Dore, W. G., The Identi- fication of Certain Native and Natu- ralized Hay and Pasture Grasses by Their Vegetative Characters. Mac- Donald College, P. Q. Canada, Tech. Bui. 16, 1936. INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC NAMES Agropyron repens 202 Agrostis alba 182, 236 — canina 40 — hiemalis 49, 179 — palustris 39, 48, 233 — perennans 185, 232 — scabra 180 — stolonifera 45 —tenuis 30, 44, 220, 234 Alopecurus carolinianus 46, 1 78 — pratensis 238 Ammophila breviligulata 235 Andropogon gerardi 157 — glomeratus 164 — littoralis 166 — scoparius 167 — ternarius 147, 168 — virginicus 146, 165 Anthoxanthum odoratum 184, 229, 259 Aristida dichotoma 1,21 — oligantha 7 — purpurascens 14 Arrhenatherum elatius 222, 230, 240, 252, 260 var.bulbosum221,239 Avena fatua 199 — sativa 197, 200, 261 Bromus arvensis 134 — catharticus 126 — commutatus 130 — inermis 127 — japonicus 131, 226 —mollis 36, 132 — rigidus 125 — secalinus 129 — sterilis 128 — tectorum 133, 227 Calamagrostis canadensis 193 — cinnoides 192 Cenchrus pauciflorus 57, 85, 110 — tribuloides 84 Cinna arundinacea 186 Cynodon dactylon 4, 55, 72 Cynodon spp. 20 Dactylis glomerata 173 Danthonia compressa 59 — sericea60, 112 — spicatal8,23,37, 58, 114 Deschampsia flexuosa 47 Digitaria filiformis 43 — ischaemum 159 — sanguinalis 152, 198 Distichlis spicata 26 Echinochloa crusgalli 52 var. frumentacea 53 — walteri 51 Eleusine indica 148 Elymus canadensis 211 — riparius 213 — villosus 212 — virginicus 214 Eragrostis capillaris 50, 62 — cilianensis 73 — hirsuta var. laevivaginata 71, 77 — pectinacea 22, 35, 61 — poaeoides 24, 34 — spectabilis 64, 80, 241 Erianthus coarctatus 250 — contortus 156, 249 Festuca arundinacea 205 — capillata 6 — clatior 210 — myuros 15, 32, 41 — octoflora 2, 33, 42 — ovina 9, 27 —rubra 8, 28, 31 var. commutata 10 Glyceria acutiflora 171 — canadensis 169 — septentrionalis 172 —striata 124, 170 Holcus lanatus 151, 196, 228, 244, 256 Hordeum brachyantherum 224 — jubatum 139, 225 — pusillum 223 — vulgare 206 Hystrix patula 209, 242 Leersia oryzoides 153, 243 — virginica 155, 216 Lolium multiflorum 208 — perenne 12, 123, 145, 163, 201 Microstegium vimineum var. imberbe 218 Miscanthus sinensis 207, 246 var. variegatus 247 var. zebrinus 248 Muhlenbergia frondosa 137, 215 — schreberil3, 16, 138, 217 Panicum amaralum 95, 117 — amarum 188 — anceps 140 capillare 65, 79, 90, 113 dichotomiflorum 121 — hemitomen 69, 88 — scoparium 78, 94 — villosissimum 101 — virgatum97, 102, 119 Paspalum dilitatum 154 — floridanum 149 var. glabratum 150, 245 — laeve 158 — pubescens 116, 141 Pennisetum spp. 100 Phalaris arundinacea 190, 258 var. picta 191,257 Phleum pratense 177, 195, 237, 255 Phragmites communis 63, 75, 108 Poa annua 5, 142, 160,174 — compressa 143, 161 — palustris 176, 183 — pratensis 11, 144, 162 — trivalis 175 Secale cereale 203 Setaria faberii 96, 98, 105, 122 — geniculata 82, 135 — italica 76, 89, 99 — lutescens 66, 83, 109 — magna 86 — verticillata 87, 1 1 1 — viridis74,91,93, Sorghastrum nutans 181 Sorghum halepense 189, 253 — sudanense 194, 251, 254 Spartina alterniflora 92, 107 — cynosuroides 120 — patens 38, 54 — pectinata 68, 104, 118 Sphenopholis obtusata 231 Sporobolus asper 1 7 — clandestine 3, 29, 219 — vaginiflorus 25 Tridens flavus 81 Triplasis purpurea 103 Tripsacum dactyloides 67, 106 Triticum aestivum 204 Uniola laxa 70, 136 — paniculata 115 Zizania aquatica 187 Zoysia matrella 19 — japonica 56 Zoysia spp. 19 75 INDEX TO COMMON NAMES American beachgrass 235 Annual bluegrass 5, 142, 160, 174 — ryegrass 208 — wildrice 187 Arrow-feather 14 Autumn bent 185,232 Barley 206 —little 223 — meadow 224 —squirrel-tail 139, 225 Barnyard grass 52 Barren chess 128 Basketgrass 218 Beachgrass, American 235 Beardgrass, bushy 164 —silver 147, 168 — seashore 166 Bent, autumn 185, 232 —colonial 30, 44, 220, 234 —creeping 39, 48, 233 — meadow 45 — velvet 40 Bent-awn plumegrass 156, 249 Bermuda grass 4, 55, 72 — U-3 20 Big bluestem 157 — cordgrass 120 Bitter panicgrass 95, 117 Bluegrass, annual 5, 142, 160, 174 —Canada 143, 161 —fowl 176, 183, —Kentucky 11, 144, 162 — rough 175 Bluejoint 193 Bluestem, big 157 —little 167 Bottlebrush 209, 242 Bristly foxtail 87, 1 1 1 Bromegrass, field 134 — smooth 127 Broomsedge 146, 165 Bulbous oatgrass 221, 239 Bushy beardgrass 164 Canada bluegrass 143, 161 — wild-rye 211 76 • Canarygrass, reed 190, 258 Cheat 129 —hairy 130 Chess, barren 128 —downy 133, 227 — Japanese 131, 226 —soft 36, 132 Chewings fescue 10 Colonial bent 30, 44, 220, 234 Common crabgrass 152, 198 —reed 63, 75, 108 Cordgrass, big 1 20 —prairie 68, 104,118 — salt meadow 38, 54 —smooth 92, 107 Crabgrass, common 152, 198 — slender 43 — smooth 159 Creeping bent 39, 48, 233 — mannagrass 171 Crinkled hairgrass 47 Cut-grass, rice 153, 243 Dallis grass 154 Downy chess 133, 227 — oatgrass 60, 112 Dropseed 25 —scratch 3, 29, 219 —tall 17 Dune sandbur 84 Eastern gamagrass 67, 106 — mannagrass 172 Emerald Zoysia 19 Eulalia 207, 246 — striped 247 Fall panicum 121 Feather grass 63, 75, 108 Fescue, chewings 1 0 — hair 6 — meadow 210 — rattail 15, 32, 41 —red 8, 28, 31 —sheep 9, 27 —six weeks 2, 33, 42 —tall 205 Field bromegrass 1 34 —foxtail 46, 178 — paspalum 158 —sandbur 57, 85, 110 Flat-stemmed panicgrass 140 Florida paspalum 149 —smooth 150, 245 Fly-away grass 180 Fowl bluegrass 176, 183 — mannagrass 124, 170 Foxtail, bristly 87, 111 —field 46, 178 —giant 96, 98, 105, 122 —green 74, 91, 93 — knotroot 82, 135 — meadow 238 —millet 76 —yellow 66, 83, 109 Gahi No. 1 millet 100 Gamagrass, eastern 67, 106 Giant foxtail 96, 98, 105, 122 —millet 86 Goosegrass 148 Green foxtail 74, 91, 93 Hair fescue 6 Hairgrass, crinkled 47 — spring 49, 179 Hairy cheat 130 — paspalum 116, 141 —wild-rye 212 Indian grass 181 Japanese chess 131, 226 — lawn grass 19 — millet 53 Johnson grass 189, 253 Kentucky bluegrass 11, 144, 162 Knotroot foxtail 82, 135 Lacegrass 50, 62 Lawn grass, Japanese 19 Little barley 223 — bluestem 167 Lovegrass, low 24, 34 —pink 22, 35, 61 —purple 64, 80, 241 — smooth 71, 77 Maidencane 69, 88 Mannagrass, creeping 171 — eastern 172 —fowl 124, 170 — rattlesnake 169 Meadow bailey 224 — bent 43 —fescue 210 —foxtail 238 Mover zoysia 56 Millet, foxtail 76, 89, 99 — Gahi No. 1 100 — giant 86 — Japanese 53 —Walter's 51 —wild 52 Mountain oatgrass 59 Muhly, wirestem 137, 215 Nimblewill 13, 16, 138, 217 Oatgrass, bulbous 221, 239 — downy 60, 112 — mountain 59 —poverty 18,23, 37,58, 114 —tall 222, 230, 240, 252, 260 Oats 197, 200, 261 —sea 115 —wild 199 Orchard grass 173 Panicgrass, bitter 95, 117 — flat-stemmed 140 — white-haired 101 Panicum, fall 121 — seaside 188 —velvety 78, 94 Paspalum, field 158 —Florida 149 —smooth Florida 150, 245 —hairy 116, 141 Perennial ryegrass 12, 123, 145, 163, 201 Pink lovegrass 22, 35, 61 Plumegrass, bent-awn 1 56, 249 —slender 250 Poverty grass 1,21 —oatgrass 18, 23, 37, 58, 114 Prairie cordgrass 68, 104, 118 — three-awn grass 7 — wedgegrass 231 Purple lovegrass 64, 80, 241 — sandgrass 103 Purpletop 81 Quackgrass 202 Rattail fescue 15,32,41 Rattlesnake mannagrass 169 Red fescue 8, 28, 31 Rcdtop 182,236 Reed canarygrass 190, 258 — common 63, 75, 108 — grass 192 Rescue grass 126 Ribbon grass 191,257 Rice cut-grass 153, 243 Ripgut grass 125 Riverbank wild-rye 213 Rough bluegrass 175 Rye 203 Ryegrass, annual 208 —perennial 12, 123, 145, 163, 201 Salt meadow cordgrass 38, 54 Saltgrass, seashore 26 Sandbur, dune 84 —field 57, 85, 110 Sandgrass, purple 103 Scratch dropseed 3, 29, 219 Sea oats 115 Seashore beardgrass 166 — saltgrass 26 Seaside panicum 188 Sheep fescue 9, 27 Silver beardgrass 147, 168 Six weeks fescue 2, 33, 42 Slender crabgrass 43 — plumegrass 250 — uniola 70, 136 Smooth bromegrass 127 — crabgrass 159 — tordgrass 92, 107 — Florida paspalum 150, 245 — lovegrass 71, 77 Soft chess 36, 132 Spring hairgrass 49, 1 79 Squirrel-tail barley 139, 225 Stinkgrass 73 Stout woodreed 186 Striped eulalia 247 Sudan grass 194,251,254 Sweet vernalgrass 184, 229, 259 Switchgrass 97, 102, 119 Tall dropseed 17 - — fescue 205 —oatgrass 222, 230, 240, 252, 260 Three-awn grass, prairie 7 Timothy 177, 195, 237,255 U-3 Bermuda grass 20 Uniola, slender 70, 136 Velvet bent 40 —grass 151, 196, 228, 244, 256 Velvety panicum 78, 94 Vernalgrass, sweet 184, 229, 259 Virginia wild-rye 214 Walter's millet 51 Wedgegrass, prairie 231 Wheat 204 Whitegrass 155,216 White-haired panicgrass 101 Wild oats 199 —millet 52 Wildrice, annual 187 Wild-rye, Canada 211 —hairy 212 — riverbank 213 — Virginia 214 Wirestem muhly 137, 215 Witchgrass 65, 79,90, 113 Woodreed, stout 186 Yellow foxtail 66, 83, 109 Zebra grass 248 Zoysia, Emerald 19 — Meyer 56 77