HOW TO KNOW THE GRASSES 



29a. Panicle branches stiiily spreading; spikelets deep reddish purple; 

 lemmas strongly keeled. Fig. 66. 



PURPLE LOVEGRASS 



Figure 66 



Eragrostis spectabilis (Pursh) Steud. 



Perennial; tufted; erect or rarely 

 spreading, up to 60 cm. tall. Purple 

 lovegrass has a large, open, dome- 

 shaped panicle which makes up about 

 two-thirds of the height of the plant. 

 The axils of the panicle branches and 

 throats of the sheaths bear conspicu- 

 ous tufts of white hair. The leaf sheaths 

 may be smooth or hairy. This is one 

 of our most widespread grasses on 

 sandy open ground, and one of the 

 most attractive. July — September. 



29b. Panicle branches delicate, not stiffly spreading; lemmas not strong- 

 ly keeled 30 



30a Sheaths glabrous, or pubescent on only the upper edges, 



31 



30b. Sheaths pubescent along the edges, on the surface, and on the 

 collar 32 



31a. Lemmas 1.8 — 2.4 mm. long; panicle broad, ovoid. 



35 



36 



