Sheathed Rush Grass
Sheathed Rush-grass. Southern Poverty-grass. Sporobolus vaginaeflorus (Torr.) Wood.Annual.
Stem 6'-20' tall, slender, tufted, erect. Sheaths somewhat inflated. Ligule very short. Leaves 1'-4' long, 1" wide or less, upper leaves rather rigid and bristle-like, lower leaves much longer.
Panicles 3/4'-2' long, terminal and lateral, very narrow and contracted, lateral panicles enclosed in the sheaths. Spikelets 1-flowered, 1 1/2"-2" long. Scales 3; outer scales slightly unequal, very acute; flowering scales very acute, rough toward the apex. Palet very acute, as long as flowering scale. Stamens 2 or 3, anthers dark red, large. Stigmas white.
Dry and sandy soil. August and September.
Vermont to Wyoming, south to Georgia and Texas.