HOW TO KNOW THE GRASSES 



15a. Spikelets in open or dense panicles which are borne above the 

 leaves; plants without stolons 16 



15b. Spikelets in dense, cottony tufts which are exceeded by clusters 



of threadlike leaves; plants low, spreading by stolons. Fig. 52. 



FLUFFGRASS Tridens pulchellus (H. B. K.) Hitch. 



Perennial; tufted at first, then spread- 

 ing by short stolons; usually less than 

 15 cm. tall. The entire plant consists 

 of a tuft of threadUke basal leaves, from 

 which arise culms which have a single 

 long internode and bear a cluster of 

 spikelets and leaves at the summit. 

 These culms soon bend over and root 

 at the tip. This process may be repeat- 

 ed until a mat of the plant is built up. 

 Fluffgrass is found on thin soils, over- 

 grazed lands, and deserts. Forage value 

 negligible; usually regarded as an in- 

 dicator of overgrazing. Also known as 

 Triodia pulchella. April — October. 



Figure 52 



16a. Panicles dense, the branches short and close to the rachis, with 

 overlapping spikelets; spikelets not deep purple 17 



16b. Panicles large and open, with spreading branches; spikelets deep 

 reddish purple. Fig. 53. 



PURPLETOP 



Tridens Uavus (L.) Hitch. 



Perennial; tufted; culms 1 — 1.5 m. tall- 

 panicles graceful and open, up to 35 cm. 

 long; leaf blades smooth, flat, 3 — 10 mm. 

 wide. The three nerves of the lemma pro- 

 trude as Httle points. Open or partially 

 shaded grassy places. Purpletop is eaten 

 by livestock to some extent. It is attrac- 

 tive and colorful and might be grown as 

 an ornamental. Also known as Triodia 

 flava. August — October. 



'^""^^ Tridens chapmani (Small) Chase is some- 



what similar. It has a stiffer and more 

 open panicle. A circle of hairs extends completely around the base 

 of each main and secondary panicle branch. Dry woods, mostly on 

 the Coastal Plain, New Jersey to Texas, north to Iowa. 



29 



