Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.
-
Authority
Kapadia, Z. & Gould, Frank W. 1964. Biosystematic studies in the Bouteloua curtipendula complex. IV. Dynamics of variation in B. curtipendula var. caespitosa. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club. 91: 465-478.
-
Family
Poaceae
-
Scientific Name
-
Description
Species Description - Perennial with flat, linear leaf blades. Herbage mostly glabrous, infrequently the leaves puberulent. Lower margins of blades usually sparsely ciliate with pustulate-based hairs. Ligule a short dense fringe of hairs seldom over 0.5 mm long. Inflorescence usually with 30-80 short pendulant branches these 1-3 (-4) cm long, bearing 1-12 or more sessile spikelets. Mean number of spikelets per infloreseence branch 2-7, the number of spikelets per branch less at the culm apex than at the base. Glumes glabrous or scabrous, the first two-thirds or more as long as the second, the second usually 5.5-8 mm long. Lemma usually slightly shorter than the second glume, glabrous or scabrous-strigose, often minutely rugose, acute or slightly 3-toothed at the apex, with the nerves extending as short mucro. Palea slightly shorter than the lemma and similar in texture. Rudiment variable but usually comprised of a lemma with a short membranous base and 3 unequally developed awns, the terminal awn occasionally to as much as 7 mm long.