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Scotts Guide to the 
Identification of Grasses 

by Jim  Converse 

Jim Converse has been looking  at turfgrass from all angles for over twenty  years. 
After growing and studying it professionally as a grass farmer and a golf 
course superintendent,  Jim came to Scotts and moved into research,  helping 
to develop better strains of grass and better ways to grow them. He's used his 
research  experience to write, illustrate,  and photograph  technical  information 
about turf  and turf  problems for Scotts training manuals  and  seminars. 
Most recently, he's changed  angles again, to detail that information in words 
and  pictures  for professional  turfmen. 

©  1979,  T HE  O . M.  S C O TT  &  SONS  CO.  ALL  RIGHTS  R E S E R V ED 

Introduction 

Plant  taxonomy  is  a  thorough,  complete 
and  exacting  science.  It  starts  with  the 
basic  study  of  botany  and  then  proceeds 
to  a long  series  of  advanced  related 
subjects.  The  taxonomist  can  observe  a 
plant  and  point  out  very  obvious  features, 
or  keys.  By  linking  these  keys  together, 
the  plant  is placed  in  a particular  family 
and  eventually  identified. 

There  is very  little  opportunity  for  the 
layman  to  become  a complete  taxonomist. 
But,  with  a little  help,  he  can  learn  to 
identify  many  of  the  grasses  he  sees  each 
day.  Sometimes  the  differences are  ever  so 

slight,  but  with  observation  and  study 
key  features  can  become  quite  obvious. 

A  taxonomist  depends  almost  entirely 

upon  flowering  or  seeding  parts  for 
absolute  identification.  This  is  because, 
these  parts  are  seldom  affected  by 
environmental  factors.  For  example,  in 
hot,  dry  weather  a plant  may  assume  an 
unnatural  style  of  growth,  but  the 
flowering  parts  remain  essentially 
constant. 

The  average  observer  seldom  has  the 

opportunity  to  see  each  grass  produce 
seed.  Even  if  this  were  possible,  he  would 

our  goal.  But  the  real  value  will  be  in 
learning  the  basic  methods  of  identification 
—  how  to  find  the  characteristics  which 
separate  one  grass  from  another.  Once 
these  methods  of  identification  are 
learned,  few  grasses  will  remain  unfamiliar 
to  the  serious  observer. 

still  lack  the  knowledge  for  intricate 
analysis  of  seeding  parts.  Therefore,  it 
becomes  necessary  for  the  amateur  to  use 
the  available  vegetative  features.  But, 
to  give  complete  help,  we  have  tried  to 
incorporate  the  outstanding  features  of 
both  seeding  and  vegetative  parts. 

In  describing  the  grasses,  scientific 

terms  have  been  reduced  to  a very  basic 
level.  This  may  disturb  the  scientific  mind, 
but  it  is a sincere  effort to  make  a  complex 
subject  understandable.  Constant 
reference  to  a glossary  can  be  distracting 
and  discouraging. 

If  the  reader  can  learn  to  confidently 

identify  a  few  of  the  more  common 
grasses,  we  will  have  achieved  one  part  of 

Parts of a grass plant 

Examples 
of 
seedheads 

Panicle:  T r i a n g u l ar  in  o u t l i ne  with  s e e d i ng 
b r a n c h es  a r o u nd  the  m a in  s t e m.  E x a m p l e s: 
Bluegrass,  R e d t o p. 

Spike:  Spikelets  a t t a c h ed  at 
the  t op  of  an  u n b r a n c h ed 
stem.  E x a m p l e s:  T i m o t h y, 
Foxtail 

S l e n d er  s e e d i ng  spikes 
a t t a c h ed  at  the  t op  of  the 
m a in  s t e m.  E x a m p l e s: 
C r a b g r a s s,  G o o s e g r a ss 

S l e n d er  s e e d i ng  spikes 
a t t a c h ed  a l o ng  the  t op  of 
the  m a in  stem.  E x a m p l e s: 
Signalgrass.  Dallisgrass 

Examples 
of 
spikelets 

F o r m i ng  clusters  of  seeds. 
E x a m p l e s:  Bluegrass. 
R y e g r a ss 

W i th  long  p o i n t ed  a w n s. 
E x a m p l e s:  N i m b l e w i l l. 
W i ld  O à ts 

Born  singly  on  short 
b r a n c h e s.  E x a m p l e s: 
W i t c h g r a s s,  Fall  P a n i c um 

C o n t a i n i ng  several  seeds. 
E x a m p l e s:  S a n d b u r. 
Buflalograss 

Major features in the 
identification of grasses 

1.  Vernation 
The  arrangement  of  a  leaf  or  leaves  in  the 
budshoot.  In  general  they  may  be classified 
as  rolled  or  folded. 
(Example:  New  shoots 
of  Kentucky  bluegrass  are  folded.  New 
shoots  of  Quackgrass  are  rolled.) 
2.  Ligule 
The  structure  which  clasps  the  stem  at  the 
junction  of  blade  and  sheath.  The  type 
(membranous  or  hairy)  and  shape  (tall,  short, 
jagged,  etc.)  remaining  fairly uniform  and 
constant  within  each  given  species. 
3.  Collar 
The  area  on  the  outer  side of  the  leaf  where 

the  blade  and  the  sheath  join.  It  is  generally 
much  lighter  in color  and  varies  in size  and 
shape  from  species  to  species. 
4.  Auricles 
Appendages  that  project  from  either  side of 
the  collar.  They  may  be  slender,  claw-like, 
long  or  short.  In  Quackgrass  slender  auricles 
clasp  the  stem. 
5.  Sheath 
The  tubular  portion  of  the  leaf  which  wraps 
around  or  encloses  the  stem.  Edges  of  the 
sheath  may  join,  overlap  or  be  closed.  They 
are  also  rough  or  smooth,  cylindrical, 
flattened  or  compressed. 

6.  Blade 
The upper portion  of  the leaf, which  is 
divided from the sheath by the collar  and 
the ligule.  The  length, width,  type of  tip, 
roughness  or smoothness  are a few 
characteristics  of  various  species. 
7.  Rhizomes 
An underground  stem  that produces  a new 
plant.  Rhizomes  are  present  or  absent, 
strong  or  weak. 
8.  Stolons 
A  horizontal,  above  ground  stem  that  takes 
root  at various intervals  and gives rise to 
new  plants. 
9.  Seedhead 
The  collection  of  flowering  or  seeding  parts 
which  are  arranged  in  various  ways,  (spike, 
panicle,  etc.).  A  very  important  identifying 
feature. 

10.  Spikelet 
The  unit  of  the  seedhead  which  composes 
the  seeding  parts.  Properly  dissected  and 
analyzed,  it  provides  the  most  accurate 
method  for  the  identification  of  various 
species. 
Other  characteristics,  such  as growth  habit 
and color,  all help to classify the  various 
grasses.  To  make  identification  even  more 
practical,  it is advisable  to use  a small 
magnifying  glass.  Magnification  of  lOx  to 
16x is ideal  for making  tiny  features  more 
easily  observed. 
An  asterisk  (*)  indicates  key 

features. 

Table of contents 

1.  Goosegrass  (Eleusine  indica) 
2.  Orchardgrass  (Dactylis  glomerata) 
3.  Poa  annua 
4.  Sandbur  (Cenchrus  pauciflorus) 
5.  Povertygrass  (Danthonia  spieata) 
6.  Crabgrass  (Digitaria  sanguinalis) 
7.  Chess  (Bromus  secalinus) 
8.  Downy  Chess  (Bromus  tectorum) 
9. .Timothy  (Phleum  pratense) 
10.  Green  Foxtail  (Setaria  viridis) 
11.  Stinkgrass  (Eragrostis  cilianensis) 
12.  Witehgrass  (Panicum  capillare) 
13.  Yellow  Foxtail  (Setaria  lutescens) 
14.  Barnyardgrass  (Echinochloa  crusgalli) 
15.  Canada  Bluegrass  (Poa  compressa) 
16.  Fowl  Bluegrass  (Poa  palustris) 

17.  Kentucky  Bluegrass  (Poa  pratensis) 
18.  Poa  trivialis 
19.  Fine  Fescue  (Festuca  rubra) 
20.  Perennial  Ryegrass  (Lolium  perenne) 
21.  Annual  Ryegrass  (Lolium  multifiorum) 
22.  Colonial  Bentgrass  (Agrostis  tenuis) 
23.  Creeping  Bentgrass  (Agrostis  palustris) 
24.  Quackgrass  (Agropyron  repens) 
25.  Redtop  (Agrostis  alba) 
26.  Reed  Canarygrass  (Phalaris  arundinacea) 
27.  Smooth  Brome  (Bromus  inermis) 
28.  Smooth  Crabgrass  (Digitaria  ischaemum) 
29.  Tall  Fescue  (Festuca  arundinacea) 
30.  Wild  Barley  (Hordeum  j u b a t u m) 
31.  Bahiagrass  (Paspalum  notatum) 
32.  Broomsedge  (Andropogon  virginicus) 

52.  Fall  Panicum  (Panicum  dichotomiflorum) 
53.  Lovegrass  (Eragrostis  pilosa) 
54.  Foxtail  Barley  (Hordeum  m u r i n u m) 
55.  Windmillgrass  (Chloris  verticillata) 
56.  Blue  Grama  (Bouteloua  gracilis) 
57.  Kikuyugrass  (Pennisetum  clandestinum) 
58.  Saltgrass  (Distichlis  stricta) 
59.  Wild  Oats  (Avena  fatua) 
60.  Buffalograss (Buchloe  dactyloides) 

33.  Centipedegrass  (Eremochloa  ophiuroides) 
34.  Carpetgrass  (Axonopus  compressus) 
35.  Signalgrass  (Brachiaria  plantaginea) 
36.  St.  Augustinegrass  (Stenotaphrum  secundatum) 
37.  Bull  Paspalum  (Paspalum  boscianum) 
38.  Dallisgrass  (Paspalum  dilatatum) 
39.  Field  Paspalum  (Paspalum  laeve) 
40.  Egyptian  Crabgrass  (Dactyloctenium  aegyptium) 
41.  Johnsongrass  (Sorghum  halepense) 
42.  Knotgrass  (Paspalum  distichum) 
43.  Rescuegrass  (Bromus  catharticus) 
44.  Sudangrass  (Sorghum  sudanense) 
45.  Bermudagrass  (Cynodon  dactylon) 
46.  Purpletop  (Tridens 
47.  Smutgrass  (Sporobolus  poiretii) 
48.  Zoysiagrass  (Zoysia  matrella) 
49.  Sweet  Vernalgrass  (Anthoxanthum  o d o r a t u m) 
50.  Nimblewill  (Muhlenbergia  schreberi) 
51.  Velvetgrass  (Holcus  lanatus) 

flavus) 

Grasses found in 
nearly all States 

Folded  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
Ligule  with  jagged  edges,  divided  in  the 
center,  long  hairs  at  the  collar  edges. 

1.  Goosegrass 

Sheaths  flattened, blades  long,  lax,  ligule 
very  tall. 

2.  Orchardgrass 

Apple-green  color,  medium  ligule,  forming 
patches  and  whitish  seedheads  in  low-cut  turf. 

Key 

3.  Poa  annua 

Hairy  ligule 
Sheaths  flattened,  yellow-green  color, 
forming  patches  with  sharp  burs. 

4.  Sandbur 

Very  narrow  leaves  with  rough  edges,  long 
hairs  at  the  collar  edges,  growing  in  waste 
places. 

5.  Povertygrass 
Rolled  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
Ligule  tall,  rounded,  jagged  edges,  long 
hairs  at  the  collar  edges  and  near  the  ligule. 

12.  Witchgrass 

Sheaths  tinged  with  red,  leaves  spiraling 
upward,  seedhead  an  erect,  coarse  brush-like 
spike,  long  hairs  near  ligule. 

13.  Yellow  Foxtail 

Ligule  absent 
Sheaths  flattened,  broad,  purplish.  Growing 
prostrate  in  turf.  Seedhead  rather  coarse. 

14.  Barnyardgrass 

6.  Crabgrass 

A  pale  green  tufted  plant,  flat  blades,  closed 
sheaths  with  pink  veins,  a nodding  seedhead. 

7.  Chess 

Plant  covered  with  soft hairs,  ligule  medium 
tall,  jagged,  sheath  closed,  a  nodding 
seedhead. 

8.  Downy  Chess 

Ligule  medium  tall,  toothed  at  the  corners 
and  center,  base  of  the  plant  swollen, 
bulb-like. 

9.  Timothy 

Hairy  ligule 
A  bright  green  erect  plant,  blades  flat, 
tapered,  seedhead  a  nodding  brush-like  spike. 

10.  Green  Foxtail 

A  tufted  plant,  rather  stiff  leaves,  giving off 
a  foul  aroma  when  crushed. 

11.  Stinkgrass 

A  coarse  plant  covered  with  hairs,  leaves 
broad,  sheaths  reddish-purple  at  the  base. 

Grasses found in cool season 
areas of the United States 

Folded  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
A  blue-green  wiry  plant,  medium  tall  ligule, 
short, tapered  blades, with  a  "boat-shaped" 
tip. 

15.  Canada  Bluegrass 

A  blue-green  wiry  plant,  tall  ligule,  tapered 
blades  with  a  "boat-shaped"  tip.  Lower  stems 
flat,  pink,  with  short  internodes. 

16.  Fowl  Bluegrass 

A  dark  green  plant,  spreading  by  rhizomes, 
forming good  turf, blades  with  parallel  sides 
and  a  "boat-shaped"  tip. 

17.  Kentucky  Bluegrass 

A  dark  yellow-green  plant,  ligule  pointed, 

blades  tapering  to  a  "boat-shaped"  tip, 
sheaths  rough,  spreading  by  stolons. 

18.  Poa  trivialis 

Sheath  wider  than  the  blade,  blade  less  than 
Va inch  wide,  short  ligule,  creeping  by  short 
rhizomes,  forming  a  fine-bladed  turf. 

19.  Fine  Fescue 

Shiny,  tough,  dark  green  blades,  used  as  a 
durable  turf. Sometimes  a weed  in  fine-bladed 
sod. 

20.  Perennial  Ryegrass 

Rolled  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
Fast  growing,  yellow-green  plant  often  used 

27.  Smooth  Brome 

Tall  rounded  ligule  with  long  hairs  at  the 
collar  edges.  Plant  reddish-purple,  especially 
at  the  base,  prostrate.  Seedhead 

finger-like. 

28.  Smooth  Crabgrass 

Short  ligule,  blades  broad,  prominently 
veined,  rough  on  the  edges,  used  as  a  durable 
turf. 

29.  Tall  Fescue 

Short  ligule,  narrow  blue-green  blades, 
prominently  veined,  rough.  A  nodding 
spike-like  seedhead  with  long  bristles. 

30.  Wild  Barley 

as  a  temporary  turf  or  nurse  crop,  slender 
claw-like  auricles. 

21.  Annual  Ryegrass 

A  tufted plant,  creeping  by  short  stolons  to 
form  turf.  Not  suited  for putting  greens. 

22.  Colonial  Bentgrass 

Rooting  at  the  lower  nodes  and  creeping  by 
long  stolons  to  form a dense  turf. Used  for 
putting  greens. 

23.  Creeping  Bentgrass 

Slender, claw-like  auricles clasping the  stems, 
lA  inch  blue-green  blades,  creeping  by  strong, 
thick  rhizomes. 

24.  Quackgrass 

Ligule  rounded,  jagged  across  the  top, 
blades  flat,  Vi  inch  wide,  tapered,  creeping 
by  rhizomes. 

26.  Reed  Canarygrass 

Blades  with  a constricted  "M"  or  "W",  ligule 
short,  creeping  by  strong  rhizomes,  an 
erosion  control. 

Grasses found in warm season 
areas of the United States 

Folded  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
A  tough,  coarse plant,  spreading  by  very 
thick,  short  rhizomes  to  form  an  open  turf. 

31.  Bahiagrass 

Ligule short  with  a row  of  hairs  across  the 
top,  sheaths  flattened,  collar  constricted, 
blades  broad,  forming  tufts. 

32.  Broomsedge 

Ligule short  with  a row  of  hairs  across  the 
top,  blades  narrow,  collar  constricted, 
spreading  and  forming  sod  by  leafy  stolons. 

33.  Centipedegrass 

Hairy  ligule 
Blades  short,  broad,  rounded  at  the  tip. 

Creeping  by  stolons  and  forming  a dense  sod. 

34.  Carpetgrass 

A  very  low  growing  plant,  with  yellow-green, 
thick  leaves.  Most  often  confused  with 
Crabgrass. 

35.  Signalgrass 

A  blue-green  plant,  creeping  by  long  stolons 
and  forming  dense  turf.  Blades  short,  broad, 
with  a  "boat-shaped"  tip.  Seedhead  a  thick 
spike. 

36.  St.  Augustinegrass 

Rolled  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
Ligule  short,  blades  Vi  inch  wide,  wavy  along 
the  edges,  very  coarse,  growing  in  short  clumps. 

42.  Knotgrass 

37.  Bull  Paspalum 

Ligule  tall,  rounded,  pointed  at  the  tip. 
Widely  spreading  from  a  flattened  base. 
Blades  rough  along  the  edges. 

38.  Dallisgrass 

Ligule  medium  tall,  pointed,  jagged  across 
the  top,  blades  V\  inch  wide,  often 
reddish-brown  on  the  tips.  Growing  in 
clumps. 

39.  Field  Paspalum 

Sparse  hairs  across  the  top  of  a very  short 
ligule.  Blades  hairy  along  the  edges.  Rooting 
at  the  lower  nodes. 

40.  Egyptian  Crabgrass 

Ligule  tall  with  hairs  across  the  top.  Blades 
very  wide,  long.  Spreads  by  very  thick 
rhizomes.  Often  reaching  5  feet  in  height. 

41.  Johnsongrass 

Creeping  and  spreading  by  rhizomes  and 
stolons,  forming  mats.  Ligule  tall,  rounded. 
Sometimes  confused  with  Crabgrass. 

Starts  growth  in winter  on  dormant  turf. 
Ligule  tall,  rounded,  jagged  edges.  Sheaths 
compressed.  Growing  in  small  patches. 

43.  Rescuegrass 

Ligule  very  tall, jagged  across  the  top. 
Coarse,  erect.  Long,  broad  blades.  Confused 
with  Johnsongrass,  but  no  rhizomes. 

44.  Sudangrass 

Hairy  ligule 
A  wiry,  tough  plant,  spreading  by  rhizomes 
and  stolons.  The  most  important  fine-bladed 
turfgrass  in warm  season  areas.  A  weed  in 
northern  states. 

45.  Bermudagrass 

Spreading  by  short  tillers  to  form  bunches. 
Short,  stiff hairs  on  the  collar.  Blades  sparsely 
hairy.  Seedheads  greenish-purple. 

46.  Purpletop 

Growing  in  tufts.  Blades  narrow,  tough 
growing  upright,  tapering  to  a  fine  point. 

The  spike-like  seedhead  often with  a  smutty 
fungus. 

47.  Smutgrass 

This  wiry,  fine-bladed  turf  is formed  by 
short  rhizomes  and  stolons.  Resembles 
Bermudagrass.  Occasionally  found  in 
northern  areas,  where  it  turns  brown  with 
the  first frost. 

48.  Zoysiagrass 

Grasses found in 
Eastern States 

Folded  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
Found  throughout  the  eastern  half  of  the 
United  States. 

32.  Broomsedge  (see  southern  grasses) 

Rolled  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
Found  in  the  east  except  for the  New 
England  states. 

39.  Field  Paspalum  (see  southern  grasses) 
Ligule  rounded  with  jagged  edges,  long  hairs 
at  the  collar  edges.  Blades  rough  on  the 
edges.  A  small,  tufted plant  with  a  pleasant 
aroma. 

49.  Sweet  Vernalgrass 

Wiry,  rooting  at  the  nodes,  short  blue-green 
blades,  forming  large  open  patches  that  turn 
brown  with  frost. Short  jagged  ligule,  long 
hairs  at  the  collar  edges. 

50.  Nimblewill 

A  tufted  blue-green  plant  covered  with  soft 
hairs,  forming  patches  in  desirable  turf. 
Ligule  medium  tall,  jagged  across  the  top, 
hairy  on  the  back.  Seedhead  soft,  purplish. 

51.  Velvetgrass 

Hairy  ligule 
Coarse,  sprawling  plant,  sheaths  often 
purplish,  long,  broad,  tapered  blades. 
Producing  a spreading  seedhead  in  the  fall. 

52.  Fall  Panicum 

A  small  tufted  plant,  with  narrow,  tapered 
blades.  Seedhead  delicate,  spreading.  Long 
hairs  at  the  collar  edges. 

53.  Lovegrass 

Found  throughout  the  eastern  half  of  the 

United  States. 

46.  Purpletop  (see  southern  grasses) 

Grasses found in 
Western States 

Folded  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
Ligule short,  with  a row  of  hairs  across  the 
top,  sheaths  flattened,  collar  constricted, 
blades  broad,  forming  tufts. 

32.  Broomsedge  (a weed  of  eastern  and 

southern  states  also  found  in 
California) 

Very  long,  slender  auricles,  a tall  ligule  with 

a  jagged  edge,  flat  blades.  Producing  a 
spike-like  seedhead  with  long  bristles. 

54.  Foxtail  Barley 

Tall  ligule  with  a  fringe  of  hairs  at  the  top, 
long, stiff  hairs  at  the  collar  edges,  sheaths 
flat.  Seedhead  resembling  a  windmill. 

55.  Windmillgrass 

Hairy  ligule 
A  densely  tufted grass  with  short,  narrow 
blades.  Long  hairs  at  the  collar  edges.  Grows 
from  the  Great  Plains  states  southwestward. 

56.  Blue  Grama 

Spreading  by strong  rhizomes  and  stolons. 
Coarse,  short  pointed  leaves.  Hairy  sheaths. 
Often  used  for  erosion  control,  (southern 
California). 

55.  Kikuyugrass 

Vigorous  creeping  rhizomes,  forming  sod. 
Male  and  female  plants.  Numerous  stiff, 
erect  blades.  Very  long  hairs  on  the  collar. 

56.  Saltgrass 

A  blue-green  plant,  creeping  by  long  stolons 
and  forming  dense  turf.  Blades,  short,  broad, 
with  a  "boat-shaped"  tip.  Seedhead  a  thick  spike. 

36.  St.  Augustinegrass  (A  turfgrass  around 

the  Gulf  States —  found  in  Southern 
California) 
Rolled  in  the  bud 
Membranous  ligule 
Rooting  at  the  lower  nodes  and  creeping  by 
long  stolons  to  form  a  dense  turf.  Used  for 
putting  greens. 

23.  Creeping  Bentgrass  (a  cool  season 

grass  used  throughout  the  southwest) 

Ligule  tall,  rounded,  pointed  at  the  tip. 
Widely  spreading  from  a  flattened  base. 
Blades  rough  along  the  edges. 

38.  Dallisgrass  (a warm  season  grass  found 

north  through  Oregon) 

Creeping  and  spreading  by  rhizomes  and 
stolons,  forming  mats.  Ligule  tall,  rounded. 

Sometimes  confused  with  Crabgrass. 

42.  Knotgrass  (a  warm  season  grass  found 

in  western  states  to  the  Canadian 
border) 

Ligule  rounded,  jagged  across  the  top, 
blades  flat,  Vi  inch  wide,  tapering.  Creeping 
by  rhizomes. 

26.  Reed  Canarygrass  (a  cool  season  grass 

found  throughout  the  southwest) 

Tall,  rounded  ligule  with  long  hairs  at  the 
collar  edges.  Plant  reddish-purple,  especially 
at  the  base,  prostrate.  Seedhead 

finger-like. 

28.  Smooth  Crabgrass  (a  cool  season  grass 

found  in  the  southwest) 

Ligule  rounded  with  jagged  edges,  long 
hairs  at  the  collar  edges.  Blades rough  on 
the  edges.  A  small  tufted plant  with  a 
pleasant  aroma. 

49.  Sweet  Vernalgrass  (found  throughout 

the  eastern  states —  in  the  west 
California,  Oregon  and  Washington) 

A  tufted  blue-green  plant  covered  with  soft 
hairs,  forming  patches  in  desirable  turf. 
Ligule  medium  tall,  jagged  across  the  top, 
hairy  on  the  back.  Seedhead  soft, purplish. 

51.  Velvetgrass  (also  found  in  most 

eastern  states) 

Short  ligule,  narrow  blue-green  blades, 
prominently  veined,  rough.  A  nodding, 
spike-like  seedhead  with  long  bristles. 

30.  Wild  Barley  (found  throughout  the 

southwest  and  cool  season  areas) 

Tall  membranous  ligule, jagged  across  the 
top,  turning  brown  in  the  summer.  Covering 
hills  and  waste  places. 

59.  Wild  Oats 

Hairy  ligule 
Ligule  with  long  hairs  at  the  edges  and  on 
the  collar.  Blades  blue-green,  narrow,  short, 
sparsely  hairy.  Forming  a sod  with  aggressive 
stolons. 

A  small  tufted plant,  with  narrow  tapered 
blades.  Seedhead  delicate,  spreading.  Long 
hairs  at  the  collar  edges. 

53.  Lovegrass  (found  in  California  and 

60.  Buffalograss 

most  eastern  states). 

Goosegrass  1 
JL 
(Eleusine  indica) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  toothed,  divided 

at  the  center. 
Collar  broad  and,  sparsely  hairy 
at  the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  compressed,  flattened,  white  near 

the  base,  sparsely  hairy  along  the  edges. 
* Seedhead  2 to  6, narrow  spikes  at  the  top 
of  the  main  stem. 
Spikelets  flattened,  containing  3 to  6  seeds. 
A  prostrate  dark  green  ANNUAL  forming 
a  wiry,  tough  rosette.  Heavy  in  the  east, 
midwest,  and  deep  south.  Found  only 
occasionally  in  the  northwest. 

20rchardgrass 

(Dactylis  glomerata) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  very  tall,  sometimes 
jagged  across  the  top. 
Collar  broad,  prominent. 
Auricles  absent. 
* Sheaths  strongly  compressed, 
green  above —  white  below. 

flattened, 

* Blades  "V-shaped"  in  cross  section,  long 

pointed,  lax. 
Seedhead  a panicle,  stiff  branches 
terminating  with  fan-shaped  spikelets. 
Spikelets  compressed,  pointed,  hairy  on 
the  keels,  with  3 to  5  seeds. 
A  bluish-green  PERENNIAL  forming 
clumps.  Tolerates  close  mowing  but  may 
reach  3 feet when  undisturbed.  Found 
throughout  the  United  States. 

Poa  annua 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  medium  long,  slightly 

pointed. 
Collar  narrow,  smooth. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  slightly  compressed,  smooth. 

* Blades  short,  lax,  about  Vs inch  wide,  the 
edges  parallel  to  each  other,  terminating 
in  a  "boat-shaped"  tip. 
Seedhead  a  short,  open,  greenish-white 
panicle. 
Spikelets  flattened,  with  3 to  6  seeds. 
This  apple-green  ANNUAL  is  distributed 
throughout  the  United  States  and  tolerates 
all  mowing  heights.  It  grows  vigorously  in 
cool,  moist  weather  and  often  forms 
extensive  patches.  Hot,  dry  weather  causes 
it to  die  and  leave unsightly  bare  areas  in 
good  turf. 

4Sandbur 

(Cenchrus  pauciflorus) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  broad,  sometimes  with  sparse  hairs 
on  the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  flattened,  loose,  sparse  hairs  on 

the  edges. 
Blades  flat,  about  lA  inch  wide,  sometimes 
folded,  tapering  to  a  point,  upper  blades 
often  enclosing  burs. 

* Seedhead  a spike with  from  6 to 20  burs. 
* Spikelets  broad  at the  base  and  tapering  to 

a  tip,  generally  2 seeds  in each  bur. 
A  yellow-green  spreading  ANNUAL, 
mostly  erect,  but  occasionally  forming 
mats.  Spiny  burs  can  cause  painful  injury. 
Thrives  on  sandy  soils.  Found  throughout 
the  United  States  but  most  troublesome  in 
warmer  areas. 

Povertygrass 
(Danthonia  spicata) 

5 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
* Ligule  a  fringe of  hairs. 

Collar  medium,  continuous,  hairy  along 
the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Blades  about  Vs  inch  wide,  often  curled, 
sharp  pointed,  rough  on  the  lower  surface 
and  edges. 
Sheaths  not  compressed,  smooth. 
Seedhead  a  panicle  with  single  spikelets 
on  stiff  branches. 
Spikelets  with  awns,  forming  several  seeds. 
A  fine  bladed,  tufted  PERENNIAL  found 
on  poor  soils,  often confused with  Fine 
Fescue. 

6Crabgrass 

(Digitaria  sanguinalis) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  tall,  with  jagged  edges. 
Collar  broad,  prominent,  with  long  hairs 
at  the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  hairy. 
Blades  flat,  sparsely  hairy,  V4 inch  wide, 
sharp  pointed. 
Seedhead  3 to  13 narrow  spikes  at  the  top 
of  the  main  stem. 
Spikelets  in  2 rows,  elliptical,  one  seed. 
A  spreading  blue-green  ANNUAL  that 
roots  at  the  lower  nodes.  A  common  weed 
throughout  the  United  States. 

Chess 
(Bromus  secalinus) 

7 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  short,  toothed. 

Collar  broad. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  not  compressed,  smooth. 
Blades  Va inch  wide,  flat,  mostly  smooth 
but  occasionally  sparsely  hairy. 

* Seedhead  pyramid-shaped,  nodding. 

Spikelets  long,  narrow,  flat,  short  awns, 
6  to  10  seeds. 
A  tufted, pale  green  ANNUAL  first 
observed  as  a  contaminant  in  grain  fields. 
Grows  throughout  the  United  States  but 
rather  sparse  in  extreme  southern  areas. 

Downy Chess 
(Bromus  tectorum) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
k Ligule  membranous,  medium-tall,  jagged 
edges  with  hairs  near  the  top. 
Collar  narrow,  hairy. 
Auricles  absent. 
: Sheaths  not  compressed,  hairy,  prominent 
veins,  with  the  veins pinkish  below 
ground. 
Blades  flat, hairy, weak,  Va inch  wide, 
sharp  pointed. 
! Seedhead  a long,  dense,  drooping  panicle, 
sometimes  purple. 
Spikelets  covered  with  hairs,  long  awns, 
4  to  7  seeds. 
A  slender,  erect  ANNUAL,  that  often 
invades  new  seedings.  Found  throughout 
the  United  States  with  the  exception  of 
extreme  Southeastern  states.  Particularly 
heavy  in  Washington  and  Oregon. 

Timothy  Q 
^ 

(Phleum  pratense) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  medium  long,  toothed 

at  the  corners  and  at  the  apex. 
Collar  medium,  continuous. 
Auricles,  absent. 
Sheaths  smooth,  not  compressed. 
Blades 
sharp  pointed. 

flat, 

inch  wide  indistinctly  nerved, 

* Seedhead  a dense  spike,  2 to  4  inches 

in  length. 
Spikelets  with  awns,  keels  hairy, 
containing  a  single  seed. 

* Base  of  plant  bulb-like,  swollen. 
A  coarse  bluish-green  PERENNIAL 
forming  clumps.  An  escaped  hay  crop 
found  throughout  the  United  States. 

A  Green Foxtail 

A  Vf 

(Setaria  viridis) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
|: Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  narrow,  hairy. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  slightly  compressed,  hairy  along 
the  edges. 
4 Blades  soft,  flat,  narrow  at  the  base, 
slightly  more  than  Va inch  wide,  sharp 
pointed. 
: Seedhead  a  soft,  nodding  bushy  spike, 
green  to  purple. 
Spikelets  oval,  transversely  ridged,  2 or  3 
long  awns  below,  a  single  seed. 
A  bright  green  clump-type  ANNUAL 
branching  at  the  base.  Common  throughout 
the cooler  parts  of  the  United  States. 
Found  in  California  and  Florida  but 
infrequent  in  other  southern  states. 

Stinkgrass 

(Eragrostis  cilianensis)  A 

A 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a fringe of  hairs. 
Collar  continuous,  narrow,  long  hairs  at 
the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  slightly  compressed. 

* Blades  dull  above,  glossy  below,  tapered. 
* Nodes  with  a  ring  of  glands  below. 
* Seedhead  a  spreading  gray-green  panicle. 
Spikelets  long,  compressed,  containing 
10 to  40  seeds. 
A  slender  tufted  ANNUAL  with  a 
disagreeable  odor.  Found  throughout  the 
United  States  but  only  sparingly  in  the 
Northwest. 

1  Witchgrass 

JL  mai 

(Panicum  capillare) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
* Collar  continuous,  broad,  hairy. 

Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  slightly  compressed,  purplish, 
densely  hairy. 
* Blades  flat,  densely  hairy,  Vi  inch  wide, 

sharp  pointed. 

* Seedhead  a  widely  spreading,  densely 
seeded  panicle,  sometimes  half  the  length 
of  the  entire  plant. 
Spikelets  containing  a  single  seed. 
A  tufted, coarse,  hairy  ANNUAL  that  seeds 
heavily  in  the  fall. Widespread  across  the 
United  States. 

Yellow Foxtail  1 
(Setaria  lutescens)  JL 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  continuous,  narrow. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  compressed,  tinged  with  red  near 

base,  mid-vein  prominent. 

* Blades  flat,  often  spiraling  upward,  hairy 

on  upper  surface  near  ligule. 

* Seedhead  a  coarse,  bushy  spike. 
Spikelets  with  transverse  ridges,  surrounded 
by  one  to  several  bristles,  with  a single  seed. 
A  coarse  tufted ANNUAL  with  erect, 
leafy stems.  Grows  all  across  the  United 
States.  Heavy  in  the  midwest  and  east, 
to  light  in  northern  Florida. 

A  Barnyardgrass 
(Echinochloa  crusgalli) 

M. ^m 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  absent. 

Collar  broad,  continuous. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  compressed,  very  flat,  purple 

tinged  near  base. 
Blades  flat,  narrow  at  base,  thick  mid-vein, 
sometimes  sparsely  hairy  along  the  edges. 

* Seedhead  a  coarse,  branching  panicle. 

Spikelets  barbed,  awns  long  or  short,  with 
a  single  seed. 
A  coarse,  sprawling,  purple  tinged 
ANNUAL.  Lying  fan-shaped  and  prostrate 
in  turf.  Found  throughout  the  United 
States. 

\\  i  s 

Canada Bluegrass 

^ 
(Poa  compressa)  A  wJ 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  medium  long, 

abrupt. 

Auricles  absent. 

* Collar  narrow,  divided  by a strong  mid-vein. 

* Sheaths  strongly  compressed,  flattened, 

sometimes  tinged  with  red. 
* Blades  short, with  each  side  tapering  toward 
a  "boat-shaped"  tip. 
Seedhead  a  narrow,  compressed  panicle. 
Spikelets  flattened,  with  3 to  6 seeds. 
This  wiry,  tough  blue-green  PERENNIAL 
spreads  by  short  rhizomes  and  forms  a 
very  open  sod.  It  prefers waste  places  or 
open  ground  and  is an  obvious  weed  in 
good  turf. 

Fowl Bluegrass 
(Poa  palustris) 

JL  \l 

Leaves  folded in the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  very  tall. 

Collar  medium,  divided  into  two  parts  by 
the  mid-vein. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  compressed,  flattened,  mid-vein 
prominent,  purplish  at  the  base  with  a  short 
distance  between  nodes. 

* Blades  very  narrow,  less than  Vs inch,  with 
each  side  tapering  toward  a  "boat-shaped" 
tip. 
Seedhead  an  oblong,  open  panicle, 
yellowish-green  to  purple. 
Spikelets  flattened, with  2 to 4  seeds. 
A  wiry,  tough  PERENNIAL,  spreading  by 
short  rhizomes.  An  impurity  in  lawns. 
Found  frequently  in  moist,  open  ground 
across  the  cooler  areas  of  the  United  States. 

Kentucky Bluegrass 
(Poa  pratensis) 

17 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
* Ligule  membranous,  very  short,  abrupt. 
Collar  narrow. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  green,  compressed,  smooth. 
* Blades  long,  less than  Vs inch wide,  the 

edges  parallel  to  each  other,  terminating 
in  a  "boat-shaped"  tip. 

* Seedhead  an  open  pyramid-shaped  panicle, 

lower  branches  generally  in  fives. 
Spikelets  flattened,  with  3 to  5  seeds. 
This  dark  green  PERENNIAL  creeps  by 
rhizomes  and  forms  a dense  sod.  There 
are  many  improved  varieties  with  various 
characteristics.  Widely  distributed 
throughout  the  United  States  except  for 
arid  regions  and  the  deep  south. 

Jg  Poa  trivialis 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule membranous,  long, toothed  at the  tip. 

Collar  broad,  smooth. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  compressed,  rough  to  the  touch. 
*Blades  flat,  Vs inch  wide,  rough  on  the 
edges,  tapering  to  a  "boat-shaped"  tip. 
Seedhead  an  oblong  panicle. 
Spikelets  flattened,  with  2 to  3  seeds. 
A  yellow-green  PERENNIAL  bending  at 
the  base  and  creeping  by  stolons.  Often 
used  in  seed  mixtures  as  a  shade  grass. 
Found  mostly  from  Minnesota,  Illinois,  and 
Kentucky  eastward.  In  the  west,  northern 
California,  Oregon,  and  Washington. 

Fine Fescue  Q 

(Festuca  rubra) 

JL 

^ 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  very  short. 

Collar  narrow,  indistinct. 
Auricles  absent. 
* Sheaths  slightly  rough,  not  compressed, 

wider  than  the  blades,  lower  sheaths 
brown. 

* Blades  very  narrow,  1/16  inch  wide  or 

less,  bristle-like,  slightly  folded. 
Seedhead  a  closed,  coarse  panicle. 
Spikelets  pale  green,  rough,  shost  awns, 
4  to  6  seeds. 
A  tufted,  fine-bladed  PERENNIAL 
bending  at  a  red  to  purplish  base  and 
spreading  by  short  rhizomes.  Used  as  an 
excellent  shade  grass.  Found  all  across  the 
United  States  with  the  exception  of  the 
deep  southeast. 

A  Perennial Ryegrass 

J m d \y 

(Lolium  perenne) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  medium  tall, 
toothed  near  the  tip. 
Collar  narrow. 
Auricles  short,  not  clasping  the  stem. 
Sheaths  reddish  below  ground,  smooth. 
Blades  from  Vs  inch  to  lA  inch  wide, 
prominently  veined  above,  very  glossy 
and  smooth  beneath. 
Seedhead  a  long,  narrow  spike,  with 
spikelets  placed  edgewise  along  the 
main  stem. 
Spikelets  flattened,  without  awns,  6 to  10 
seeds. 
A  dark  green  tufted  PERENNIAL  which 
forms  a  durable  turf.  Occasionally  found 
as  a  weed  in  fine-bladed  grasses.  Occurs 
throughout  the  northern  states  and  as 
far  west  as  California. 

Annual Ryegrass ^  J 

(Lolium  multiflorum)  md 

A 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  short. 
Collar  broad. 
Auricles  narrow,  long  and  claw-like. 
Sheaths  not  compressed,  yellowish-green 
at  the  base. 
Blades  long,  tapered,  prominent  veins 
above,  very  glossy  below,  edges  smooth. 
Seedhead  a  long,  narrow  spike,  with 
spikelets  placed  edgewise  along 
main  stem. 
Spikelets  with  awns,  containing  10  to 
20  seeds. 
A  tufted  apple-green  ANNUAL  often 
used  as  a nurse  crop  or  temporary  turf. 
Sometimes  persisting  for  several  years. 

the 

^ 

Colonial Bentgrass 

Md  Mad 

(Agrostis  tenuis) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

*  Ligule  membranous,  rather  short. 

Collar  narrow. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  smooth,  not  compressed. 

*  Blades  rough  along  the  edges,  flat,  very 

narrow,  tapered. 

* Seedhead  an  open,  delicate, 

pyramid-shaped  panicle. 
Spikelets,  small,  elliptical,  with  a 
single  seed. 
This  tufted  PERENNIAL  creeps  by  short 
stolons,  and  lacks  aggressive  lateral 
growth.  Used  mostly  as  a  grass  for  lawn 
and  higher  cut  turf  areas. 

Creeping Bentgrass 
(Agrostis palustris) 

i t f v/ 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

*  Ligule  membranous,  tall,  rounded. 

Collar  narrow. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  smooth,  not  compressed. 

*  Blades  narrow,  flat,  veined,  rough  along 

the  edges. 

*  Seedhead  a  panicle,  generally  compressed. 

Spikelets  small,  elliptical,  with  a  single 
seed. 
A  low  growing,  fine-bladed  PERENNIAL, 
creeping  by  long  vigorous  stolons.  Used 
for putting  greens  in  all  cool  season  areas. 
Propagated  by  both  seed  and  stolons. 

Quackgrass 
(Agropyron  repens) 

M mm 
Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  very  short. 
Collar  broad,  continuous. 
Auricles  claw-like,  slender,  clasping 
the  stem. 
Sheaths  not  compressed,  lower  sheaths 
with  short  hairs,  upper  sheaths  smooth. 
Blades  flat,  V<\ inch  wide,  rough  on  the 
upper  surface,  smooth  below,  pointed. 
: Seedhead  a  spike,  with  spikelets  facing 
the  main  stem. 
Spikelets  flattened,  4  to  6  seeds. 
Rhizomes,  sharp,  long,  aggressive. 
This  blue-green,  aggressive  PERENNIAL 
creeps  by  strong  underground  rhizomes. 
Once  established,  it is extremely  difficult to 
eradicate.  Common  in  northern  states  and 
south  through  North  Carolina,  Arkansas, 
Oklahoma  and  California. 

Redtop  JF 
(Agrostis  alba) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  very  tall,  rounded. 
Collar  narrow,  divided  into  two  parts  by 
a  space. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  not  compressed,  smooth. 
Blades  flat,  XA  inch  wide,  veins  prominent 
on  upper  surface,  edges  rough. 
1 Seedhead  a  spreading  panicle,  reddish 
color. 
Spikelets  with  one  seed. 
Rhizomes,  strong,  spreading. 
A  blue-green  PERENNIAL  creeping  by 
rhizomes.  Occasionally  used  as  a  filler  in 
turf  seed  mixtures.  Found  in  cooler  areas 
across  the  United  States. 

Reed Canarygrass 

(Phalaris  arundinacea) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  tall,  rounded,  often 

torn,  hairy  on  the  back,  wider  than  the 
sheaths. 
Collar  broad. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  not  compressed,  transparent 

along  the  edges. 

* Blades  flat,  rough  along  the  edges, 

Vi  inch  or  more  wide,  3 to  8 inches  long, 
sharp  pointed. 
Seedhead  a  compressed  panicle. 
Spikelets  long,  narrow,  pointed,  with 
a  single  seed. 
A  coarse,  sod-forming  PERENNIAL 
reproducing  by  seed  and  spreading  by 
thick,  creeping  rhizomes.  Will  not  survive 
under  continuous  close  mowing.  Found 
throughout  cool  season  areas  of  the 
United  States. 

Smooth Brome 

(Bromus  inermis)  Jmd 

/ 

to  form  an  "M"  or  "W" 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  short. 
Collar  narrow,  continuous. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  not  compressed,  closed  nearly 
to  the  top. 
Blades  about  V* inch  wide,  smooth,  often 
constricted 
Rhizomes  strong,  spreading. 
Seedhead  an  erect  panicle,  with  branches 
in  a  circular  pattern  around  the  main  stem. 
Spikelets,  narrow,  pointed,  with  7 to  11 
seeds. 
A  blue-green,  creeping  PERENNIAL  used 
as a pasture  grass  and  on  steep  banks  for 
erosion  control.  Grows  from  California 
eastward  across  the  northern  states. 

^  O  Smooth Crabgrass 

(Digitaria  ischaemum) 

* Sheaths  compressed,  smooth,  generally 

tinged  with  purple. 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  tall,  rounded. 

Collar  broad,  sparsely  hairy. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Blades  sparsely  hairy  near  the  ligule, 

V4  inch  wide,  sharp  pointed. 
Seedhead  2 to  6 narrow  spikes  at  the  top 
of  the  main  stem. 
Spikelets  generally  in  two  rows  on  each 
spike,  elliptical,  containing  one  seed. 
A  low  growing  ANNUAL  that  avoids 
mowing.  It  lies prostrate  in turf  and  roots 
at  the  lower  nodes.  Common  in  most 
northern  states  and  from  southern 
California  eastward  through  Tennessee 
and  northern  Georgia. 

Tall Fescue  ^Q 
(Festuca  arundinacea) 

Jmd 

* Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
*Ligule  membranous,  short. 
Collar  broad,  continuous. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  not  compressed,  reddish-pink 
below  ground. 

* Blades  flat,  strongly  veined  above,  rough 

along  the  edges,  sharp  pointed. 
Seedhead  an  erect,  somewhat  compressed 
panicle. 
Spikelets  containing  6 to  8  seeds. 
A  coarse,  dark  green  PERENNIAL. 
Develops  into  a  durable,  coarse  turf  in 
thick  stands  but  can  form  objectionable 
clumps  in  fine-bladed  grasses.  Grows  from 
California  eastward  through  the  mid-south 
and  across  the  northern  United  States. 

^A  Wild Barley 

Vr 

(Hordeum  j u b a t u m) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  short. 
Collar  divided  by  the  mid-vein. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed. 
Blades  narrow,  long,  tapered,  rough 
to  the  touch. 
Seedhead  a  yellow-green  to  purple, 
nodding,  bushy  spike,   1 Vi  to  3 inches 
long. 
Spikelets  with  long,  barbed  awns,  rough 
to  the  touch,  with  a  single  seed. 
A  short,  blue-green  PERENNIAL  growing 
in  clumps.  Often found  along  roadsides 
in  all  but  the  southeastern  states. 

Bahiagrass 
(Paspalum  notatum) 

31 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  short. 
* Collar  constricted,  broad,  sparse  long 
hairs  at  the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  sparsely  hairy. 
Blades  flat  or  folded, more  than  lA  inch 
wide,  sparsely  hairy,  tapering  to  a  point. 
* Seedhead  2  or  3, rarely  5, slender  spikes, 

mostly  2 joining  at  the  top  of  the  main 
stem  and  others  below. 
Spikelets  blunt  at the  base,  rounded  at 
the  center  and  tapering  to  a blunt  tip, 
with  a  single  seed. 
A  low  growing  PERENNIAL,  creeping 
by  short,  strong,  woody  rhizomes.  Found 
all  around  the  Gulf  Coast.  Used 
extensively  as  turf  in  central  and 
southwestern  Florida. 

'J J  Broomsedge 
(Andropogon  virginicus) 
%J  md 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  fringed  with  hairs. 
* Collar  narrow,  divided  by  the  mid-vein, 

hairy  at  the  edge. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  very  strongly  compressed, 

flattened. 
Blades  compressed  near  base,  hairy  along 
the  edges  and  near  ligule,  about   Va inch 
wide,  sharp  pointed. 
Seedhead  slender,  narrow,  with  2 to  4 
seeding  stalks. 
Spikelets  awned,  in pairs,  cotton-like,  with 
tufts of  hair  at  the  base. 
Found  throughout  the  eastern  half  of  the 
United  States  and  California.  Leaving 
unsightly  brown  tufts  in  winter. 

' l 'l 

Centipedegrass 
(Eremochloa  ophiuroides) 
Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  short  membrane  with  short 
hairs  across  the  top. 
* Collar  broad,  much  constricted,  hairy. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  flattened,  hairs  at  the 
edges  near  the  ligule,  a  prominent  mid-vein. 

* Blades  compressed  or  flattened,  short, 
less than  lA  inch  wide,  strong  mid-vein, 
sparsely  hairy  along  the  edges. 
* Seedhead  a  slender  spike. 

Spikelets  broad  at the  base  tapering  to  a 
rounded  tip,  a  single  seed. 
A  dark  green,  low  growing  PERENNIAL 
that  creeps  by  slender,  flat,  leafy  stolons. 
It  forms  a  desirable  turf  from  North 
Carolina  south  through  Georgia  and  North 
Florida  and  then  westward  around  the  Gulf 
into  Arkansas  and  Texas. 

'XA  Carpetgrass 

(Axonopus  compressus) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  narrow,  indistinct,  hairy  at  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed, 

flattened. 

* Blades  short,  at  least  VA  inch  wide, 
rounded  at  the  tip. 
Seedhead  2 to  5  finger-like  arms,  2 at  the 
top  of  the  main  stem,  others  below. 
Spikelets  broad  at  the  base  and  tapering 
to  a point,  a  single  seed. 

* Nodes  densely  hairy. 
This  spreading  PERENNIAL  creeps  by 
aggressive  stolons,  which  produce  many 
plants  at  short  intervals.  It  forms  extensive 
patches  in moist  places.  Found  from 
Florida  around  the  Gulf  States  through 
Texas,  but  seldom  north  of  Arkansas  to 
North  Carolina. 

Signalgrass 

(Brachiaria  plantaginea) 

wJ 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  medium  with  sparse  hairs  at  the 
edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  flattened,  smooth. 
Blades  very  short,  broad,  thick,  pointed. 
Seedhead  2  to  6  slender  spikes,  pointing 
upward  and  alternating  along  the  main 
stem. 
Spikelets  broad  and  rounded  at  the  base, 
tapering  to  a point,  with  a single  seed. 
A  low  growing  yellow-green  ANNUAL 
that  spreads  by rooting  at  the  lower 
nodes.  Often  confused  with  Crabgrass. 
Found  in  Georgia,  Florida,  Louisiana, 
Arkansas,  Oklahoma,  and  Texas. 

^lfi  St. Augustinegrass 

(Stenotaphrum  secundatum) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  short  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  broad,  smooth,  much  constricted. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  flattened,  with  a 
prominent  mid-vein,  sometimes  sparsely 
hairy  along  the  edges. 
Blades very  short,  smooth,  at least  lA  inch 
wide,  with  a  "boat-shaped"  tip. 
Seedhead  a  thick  spike with  few  spikelets 
imbedded  along  the  sides. 
Spikelets  thick,  elliptical,  with  one  seed. 
A  dark  green,  leafy  PERENNIAL  creeping 
by  extensive  stolons.  It  provides  a  rather 
coarse,  spongy  turf  in  areas  of  the  deep 
south.  Found  from  southern  Florida  into 
Georgia  and  around  the  Gulf  Coast 
through  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Louisiana, 
and  Texas.  Occasionally  cultivated  in 
southern  California. 

Bull Paspalum  H 

(Paspalum  boscianum) 

/ 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  short. 
Collar  very  narrow. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  loose,  smooth,  with  a  prominent 
mid-vein. 
Blades  flat,  wavy  along  the  edges,  a 
prominent  mid-vein,  Vi  inch  wide, 
sparsely  hairy  along  the  edges  and  near 
the  ligule,  often  tinged  with  purple. 
Seedhead  4 to  12 thick  spikes  joining 
along  the  top  of  the  main  stem. 
Spikelets  in rows  of  3 or  4, blunt  at  the 
base,  round,  with  a  single  seed. 
A  thick,  coarse  ANNUAL  forming 
unsightly  clumps  in  turf.  Found  from 
Virginia  to  Tennessee,  Arkansas  and  Texas 
and  all  southern  states  below  this  area. 

^O  Dallisgrass 

w ^ fJ 

(Paspalum  dilatatum) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  tall,  rounded. 

Collar  broad,  smooth. 
Auricles  absent.. 
Sheaths  compressed,  mid-vein  prominent. 
* Blades  flat,  nearly  Vi  inch  wide,  mid-vein 

prominent,  sparse  hairs  near  the  ligule, 
edges  rough. 
* Seedhead  3 to  6  slender  spikes,  pointed 

upward  along  the  main  stem. 
Spikelets  are  flattened,  rounded,  pointed  at 
the  tip,  hairy  at  the  base  with  a  single  seed. 
A  tall,  coarse,  yellow-green  PERENNIAL 
that  forms  spreading  clumps.  Found  from 
New  Jersey  to  Tennessee  and  Florida, 
west  to  Texas  and  California. 

Field Paspalum 

(Paspalum  laeve) 

^ 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  medium  tall,  rounded, 

jagged  around  the  edges. 
Collar  broad,  hairy. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  strongly  compressed,  sparsely 

hairy  along  the  edges  and  mid-vein, 
mid-vein  prominent. 
Blades  flat,  at least  lA  inch  wide,  smooth 
to  sparsely  hairy,  hairy  near  the  ligule  and 
along  the  edges. 
Seedhead  with  3 to 4 spikes  scattered 
along  the  top  of  the main  stem. 
Spikelets  in  two  rows,  almost  round, 
with  a  single  seed. 
A  yellow-green,  coarse  PERENNIAL 
spreading  at  the  base.  Found  from 
New  Jersey  to Ohio  south  to  Florida 
and  Texas. 

A fi  Egyptian Crabgrass 
•  VF 
Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

(Dactyloctenium  aegyptium) 

* Ligule  a  short  membrane  with  hairs 

across  the  top. 
Collar  narrow,  smooth,  with  hairs  at 
the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  smooth,  with  some 
hairs  near  the  ligule. 
Blades  flat,  lA  inch  wide,  sparse  hairs 
along  the  edges. 

* Seedhead,  2 to several  thick  spikes  at  the 

top  of  the  main  stem. 
Spikelets  flat,  broad,  awns  present,  spaced 
along  two  rows,  3 to  5  seeds. 
A  yellow-green  ANNUAL  spreading  and 
rooting  at  the  lower  nodes.  It  branches 
freely at the  base  and  often forms  mats. 
Growing  from  North  Carolina  to  Florida 
and  around  the  Gulf  Coast  through  Texas. 
Found  sparingly  in  Arizona  and  California. 

41 

Johnsongrass 
(Sorghum  halepense) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  very  tall,  abrupt, 
the  top  jagged  with  hairs. 
Collar  broad. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  smooth,  pale  green 
to  reddish-brown. 
Blades  flat,  very  long,  with  sparse  hairs 
near  the  ligule,  Vi  inch  or  more  wide, 
sharp  pointed,  mid-vein  white  and  thick. 
Seedhead  a  tall,  coarse,  open  panicle. 
Spikelets  oval,  silky,  with  awns,  bearing 
single  seeds. 
Ring  of  hairs  below  the  nodes  at  the  base. 
An  aggressive,  spreading  PERENNIAL 
with  rhizomes  more  than  VA  inch  thick. 
This  coarse  plant  often becomes  a  problem 
in  cultivated  crops  and  may  reach  a 
height  of  6 feet. Found  throughout  the 
southern  half  of  the  United  States. 

t"J  Knotgrass 

IM 

(Paspalum  distichum) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  membranous,  tall,  rounded. 
Collar  broad  with  long  hairs  on  the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  smooth,  hairy  edges. 
Blades  flat  to  folded, hairy  near  the 
ligule,  sparsely  hairy  along  the  edges. 
Seedhead  mostly  2 spikes  at  the  top  of 
the  main  stem,  occasionally  one  below. 
Spikelets  elliptical,  broad  at  the  base, 
pointed  at the  top,  with  a single  seed. 
Rhizomes,  strong,  spreading. 
This  dark  green  PERENNIAL  creeps  by 
rhizomes  and  stolons  and  forms  extensive 
matted  patches.  It  is  a  particular  problem 
from  South  Carolina  into  Florida  and 
westward  through  Texas  and  Oklahoma, 
but  it  also  thrives  in  states  west  of  the 
Rockies. 

Rescuegrass 
(Bromus  catharticus) 

43 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
15 Ligule  membranous,  tall,  rounded, 
hairy  on  the  back. 
Collar  broad. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  strongly  compressed,  hairy  to 
smooth  in  older  plants,  closed,  forming 
a  tube  around  the  stem. 
Blades  sparsely  hairy,  flat,  up  to  Vi  inch 
wide. 
: Seedhead  an  open  panicle,  nodding. 
Spikelets  up to  1 inch  in length,  flattened, 
with  4  to  12  seeds. 
A  bunch-type,  short-lived  PERENNIAL. 
It  makes  extensive  growth  in  all  southern 
states  except  Florida  during  winter  and 
then  disappears  during  hot,  dry  weather. 
Found  sparingly  in  western  states 
except  Washington. 

A A  Sudangrass 
(Sorghum  sudanense) 
^m 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
: Ligule  membranous,  tall,  abrupt,  jagged 
across  the  top,  wider  than  the  sheaths. 
Collar  broad,  smooth. 
Auricles  absent. 
5 Sheaths  slightly  compressed,  transparent 
along  the  edges. 
Blades  flat,  sharp  pointed,  pale  green 
above,  Vi  inch  or  more  wide,  mid-vein 
thick  and  pale  green. 
i: Seedhead  a  tall,  coarse,  open  panicle. 
Spikelets  oval,  with  awns,  a  ring  of  hairs 
at  the  base,  sparsely  silky,  bearing 
single  seeds. 
A  heavy  tufted ANNUAL  with  erect  stems 
and  long  leaves.  Often confused  with 
Johnsongrass  but  does  not  spread  by 
rhizomes.  Found  growing  across  the 
southern  half  of  the  United  States. 

Bermudagrass 

(Cynodon  dactylon)  ^m  wJ 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  narrow,  covered  with  long  hairs. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  strongly  compressed,  sparsely 
hairy. 
Blades  short,  Vs inch  wide,  rough  along 
the  edges,  sharp  pointed. 
Seedhead  3 to  5 slender  spikes,  joining 
at  the  top  of  the main  stem. 
Spikelets  oval,  in  two  rows,  containing 
a  single  seed. 
A  warm  season  PERENNIAL  that  creeps 
by strong  rhizomes  and  stolons  and  forms 
an  excellent  turfgrass.  Most  improved 
hybrid  varieties  are planted  by  stolons  or 
sod.  Often  found  as  a wiry,  spreading 
weed  in  northern  states.  Common  south 
of  a  line  from  Maryland  to  Kansas  and 
northern  California. 

I/T  Purpletop 

ni  Vr 

(Tridens  flavus) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  broad,  hairy. 
Auricles  none. 

* Sheaths  strongly  compressed,  tough, 

glossy,  slightly  hairy  on  the  upper  edges. 
* Blades  narrow  at  the  base,  minutely  hairy 
above  and  glossy  beneath,  about  Vi  inch 
wide,  sharp  pointed. 
: Seedhead  a  tall  open  panicle,  usually 
purple. 
Spikelets  oblong  with  6 to  8  seeds. 
This  bunch-type  PERENNIAL  starts 
growth  in early  spring  and  seeds  from 
July  to  September.  Found  growing  from 
Nebraska  to  New  Hampshire  and 
southward  to  Texas  and  Florida. 

Smutgrass 

(Sporobolus  poiretii) 

47 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe of  hairs. 

* Collar  divided  into  two parts  by  the 

mid-vein. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheath  smooth,  round. 
Blades  flat,  less  than  lA  inch  wide, 
tapering  to  a  sharp  point. 

* Seedhead  a  long  narrow,  spike-like 

panicle,  often  black  with  a  smutty  fungus. 
Spikelets  oval  to  elliptical,  with  a 
single  seed. 
An  erect,  tough  PERENNIAL  often 
destroying  the  appearance  of  desirable 
turf.  This  member  of  the  "Dropseed" 
family  is found  from  Texas  to  Oklahoma, 
east  to Virginia  and  all other  states 
south  of  this  area. 

IO  Zoysiagrass 

(Zoysia  matrella) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
* Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
* Collar  medium,  covered  with  long  hairs. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  absent. 
Blades  short,  sharp  pointed. 

* Seedhead  in  the  form  of  a  weak  spike, 
spikelets  alternate  on  two  sides. 
Spikelets  blunt  at  the  base,  round  and 
tapering  to  a  point. 
A  medium  to  fine  PERENNIAL  that 
spreads  by  short  rhizomes  and  stolons. 
Develops  into  a  desirable  turf  in  warm 
areas  but  turns  brown  with  frost  in  cooler 
areas.  Nearly  always  planted  vegetatively. 
Grown  as  far  north  as  Connecticut  west 
to  Nebraska  and  then  California.  Performs 
best  in  hot  dry  areas. 

f 
m  I I 

Sweet Vernalgrass 

(Anthoxanthum  odoratum) 

49 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  medium  tall,  jagged. 
* Collar  broad,  long  hairs  at  the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  not  compressed. 
Blades  flat,  Va inch wide,  edges  rough, 
sharp  pointed. 

* Seedhead  a  compressed  spike-like  panicle. 

Spikelets  with  awns  and  a  single  seed. 
A  low-growing  tufted  PERENNIAL  that 
is readily  identified by its pleasant  aroma. 
The  plant  becomes  more  aromatic  as it 
dries.  Found  from  Illinois,  Arkansas  and 
Louisiana  eastward,  with  the  exception 
of  Florida.  On  the  west  coast  it  occurs  in 
California,  Oregon,  and  Washington. 

CA  Nimble will 

v-r 

(Muhlenbergia  schreberi) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
: Ligule  membranous,  short,  jagged. 
: Collar  medium,  smooth,  long  hairs  at 
the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
: Sheaths  compressed,  prominent  white 
membrane  along  the  edges. 
: Blades  short,  narrow,  flat,  pointed. 
Seedhead  a  loose,  lax.  spike-like  panicle. 
Spikelets  contain  a  single  seed,  long  awns. 
Stolons  short,  creeping. 
A  blue-green  PERENNIAL  forming 
patches  that  resembles  bentgrass.  Turns 
brown  in  winter.  Very  common  throughout 
the  midwest  and  eastern  states. 

Velvetgrass  ri 

(Holcus  lanatus)  wJ 

A 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  membranous,  medium  tall,  jagged 

at  the top  and  hairy  on  the  back. 
Collar  continuous,  hairy,  narrow. 
Auricles  absent. 
* Sheaths  compressed,  pink  nerved,  densely 

hairy. 
* Blades  flat,  soft, hairy,  sharp  pointed. 
Seedhead  a panicle,  soft,  plume-like, 
purplish,  2 to  5 inches  long. 
Spikelets  with  a  short,  soft  awn, 
containing  2  seeds. 
A  grayish-green,  velvety  PERENNIAL 
forming  patches.  Grows  throughout  the 
northern  states  but  a particular  problem 
in  the  Pacific  Northwest. 

Fall Panicum 

(Panicum  dichotomiflorum) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  continuous,  broad. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  slightly  compressed,  smooth. 
: Blades  flat,  dull  above,  glossy  beneath, 
mid-vein  prominent  from  lA  to  Vi  inch 
wide,  sharp  pointed. 
: Seedhead  a  widely  spreading  open  panicle. 
Spikelets  with  prominent  veins,  purple 
tinged. 
A  coarse,  sprawling,  bright  green 
ANNUAL,  seeding  in  the  fall.  Found 
throughout  the  United  States. 

Lovegrass 
(Eragrostis  pilosa) 

53 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  continuous,  medium,  hairy  at  the 
edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Blades  narrow,  flat, tapered,  rough  above, 
smooth  below. 
Sheaths  slightly  compressed. 
Seedhead  a delicate  open  panicle,  hairy 
where  branches  join  the  main  stem. 
Spikelets  gray-green  to  nearly  black, 
containing  3  to  9  seeds. 
A  slender,  erect  ANNUAL,  growing  in 
clumps.  Found  from  Texas  into  Oklahoma 
and  across  the  eastern  states.  On  the  west 
coast  it is found  occasionally  in  California. 

SLA  Foxtail Barley 

w J ^B 

(Hordeum  murinum) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
* Ligule  membranous,  tall,  with  a 
jagged  edge. 
Collar  broad. 
* Auricles  very  long,  membranous,  twisting 

not  clasping. 
Sheaths  flattened,  smooth,  with 
membranous  edges. 
Blades  flat,  sparsely  hairy  rough  along 
the  edges,  tapering  to  a  point. 

*Seedhead  a  yellow-green,  brush-like  spike. 
Spikelets  with  long  awns,  a  single  seed. 
A  branching,  spreading  ANNUAL, 
growing  rather  prostrate  and  seeding 
heavily.  Starts  growth  in  early  spring 
throughout  most  western  states. 

Windmillgrass  rr 

(Chloris  verticillata)  w J wJ 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
i: Ligule  membranous,  tall,  hairs  at  top. 
Collar  broad,  with  long  hairs. 
Auricles  absent. 
: Sheaths  compressed,  very  flat,  with  a 
sparsely  hairy  and  prominent  mid-vein, 
edges  are  transparent. 
: Blades  narrow,  short,  Vs inch  wide, 
folded, crowded  at  the  base,  sparse  hairs 
on  the  prominent  mid-vein. 
: Seedhead  of  long  slender  spikes  spreading 
away  from the  main  stem  in  a  circular 
pattern,  1 to  3 spaced  groups. 
Spikelets  with  long  awns,  a  single  seed. 
A  short  PERENNIAL  bunchgrass  that 
spreads  by  seed  and  rooting  at  the  lower 
nodes.  It  grows  from  Illinois  southward 
through  Louisiana  and  Texas  and  west 
through  Kansas,  Colorado  and  California. 

CiC  Blue Grama 

w ^ V -F 

(Bouteloua  gracilis) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  medium  with  long  hairs  at  the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  smooth. 
Blades  very  narrow,  flat,  less  than  Vs 
inch  wide,  tapering  to  a  point. 
Seedhead  with  1 to  3 curved  spikes 
along  the  main  stem,  a  bristle-like 
appearance. 
Spikelets  in  two  rows,  with  short  awns, 
a  single  seed. 
A  short,  slender,  densely  tufted 
PERENNIAL  that  develops  a  thin  sod. 
It  creeps  by  short  rhizomes  and  is often 
confused  with  Buffalograss.  Found  from 
Montana  to  Wisconsin,  southwest 
Nevada  and  California  and  south  through 
Arkansas  and  Texas. 

through 

S C O T TS  G U I DE  TO  G R A S S ES 

Kikuyugrass 

(Pennisetum  clandestinum) 

/ 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  a  fringe  of  hairs. 
Collar  medium,  with  fine  hairs. 
Auricles  absent. 
; Sheaths  strongly  veined,  covered  with 
fine  hairs,  compressed,  fiat,  coarse. 
Blades  flat  or  folded,  sparsely  hairy, 
tapering  to  a  point. 
: Seedhead  composed  of  2 to 4  spikelets 
enclosed  in  the  upper  sheath. 
Spikelets  rounded  at  the  base  and  tapering 
upward  to  a  sharp  point,  bristle-like 
awns  from  beneath. 
A  low  growing,  tough,  aggressive 
PERENNIAL,  creeping  by  both  rhizomes 
and  stolons.  Used  primarily  for  erosion 
control,  but  can  become  a  troublesome 
weed.  Found  in  southern  California. 

^O  Saltgrass 

(Distichiis  stricta) 

Leaves  folded  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  a fringe of  hairs,  short  in  the 

center,  very  long  on  the  edges. 

* Collar  broad,  with  very  long  hairs. 

Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed, 
Blades  stiff, erect,  short,  sharp  pointed, 
flat  or  folded. 
* Seedheads  produced  on  male  and  female 

flattened. 

plants,  resembling  each  other. 
Spikelets  long,  narrow  and  sterile  on  male 
plants,  short,  narrow,  and  fertile  on 
female,  containing  7  to  9  seeds. 
A  low  growing,  wiry,  tough,  PERENNIAL 
that  forms  dense  sod  from  long  creeping 
rhizomes.  Male  and  female  plants 
generally  grow  in  separate  patches. 
Found  from  Minnesota  through  Missouri, 
Oklahoma,  Texas,  and  all  states  westward. 

Wild Oats  CQ 
^ 

(Avena  fatua) 

Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 
Ligule  tall,  rounded,  rough  along  the 
edges,  sparsely  hairy  on  the  back. 
Collar  medium,  smooth,  sparsely  hairy 
at  the  edges. 
Auricles  absent. 
Sheaths  compressed,  mostly  smooth, 
occasionally  sparsely  hairy. 
Blades  flat,  about  lA  inch  wide,  rough 
to the touch,  sparsely  hairy  near  the  ligule. 
Seedhead  a  loose,  open,  nodding  panicle. 
Spikelets  coarse,  nearly  one  inch  long, 
short,  stiff  hairs,  with  2 or  3 seeds  and 
twisted  awns. 
A  stout,  erect  ANNUAL  turning  brown 
in  mid-summer  and  covering  hills  and 
waste  places  in  western  states.  Found 
occasionally  in  the  midwest  and  eastern 
states,  heavy  from  North  Dakota  through 
New  Mexico  and  westward. 

Buffalograss 

(Buchloe  dactyloides) 

60 
Leaves  rolled  in  the  bud. 

* Ligule  a fringe of  hairs,  short  in  the 

center,  long  at  the  edges. 
Collar  broad,  hairy. 
Auricles  absent. 

* Sheaths  short,  flattened,  smooth. 
* Blades  less  than  Va  inch  wide,  flat, 

twisted  or  curled,  sparsely  hairy. 

* Seedhead  composed  of  male  and  female 
flowers.  Male  flowers  in  curved  branches 
at  the  top  of  the  main  stem.  Female  flowers 
are  hard  burs  just  above  the  leaf  sheaths, 
1  to  4  fertile  seeds. 
A  blue-gray  PERENNIAL  sod-forming 
grass  that  reproduces  by  seed  and 
creeping  rhizomes.  It  is used  for  pasture 
and  erosion  control  and  seldom  grows 
taller  than  5  inches.  Found  from 
Louisiana  into  Arizona  and  north 
through  Montana  and  Minnesota.