Forked Beard Grass
Andropogon furcatus Muhl.Forked Beard-grass blooms by fences and hedges in early autumn. The tall stems, rich in colouring, are surmounted by short, spreading spikes of reddish brown or purple, and by this finger-like inflorescence the grass is easily recognized.
Forked Beard-grass. Big Blue-stem. Andropogon furcatus Muhl.
Perennial.
Stem 3-6 ft. tall, stout, erect. Ligule 1" long or less. Leaves 6'-16' long, 2"-6" wide, roughish.
Spikes 2-5, purplish, 2'-5' long, rather thick and rigid, spreading from summit of culm and lateral branches. Spikelets in pairs on hairy rachis, hairs short; 1 spikelet of each pair sessile, perfect, 1-flowered, 4"-5" long, bearing a loosely twisted, bent awn 5"-8" long; the other spikelet staminate, awnless, consisting of 4 scales. Stamens 3, anthers yellow, orange, or brownish.
Dry or moist soil. August to September.
Maine and Ontario to the Rocky Mountains, south to Florida and Texas.