HOW TO KNOW THE GRASSES 



68b. Spikelets broadly ovate. 2 — 5 mm. wide, with firm lemmas, the 

 nerves not conspicuous. Fig. 102. 



Glyceria canadensis (Michx.) Trin. 



Perennial; tufted; plants 60 — 150 cm. 

 tall; panicles 12 — 20 cm. long. Glyceria 

 canadensis is one of the handsomest of 

 grasses. The plump spikelets have a 

 faint resemblance to snake rattles, hence 

 the common name of "rattlesnake man- 

 na." Bogs, swamps, along streamlets. 

 July — August. 



Figure 102 



69a. First glume 1 mm. or less long. 



70 



69b. First glume 1.4 mm. or more long. Fig. 103. 



Glyceria grandis S. Wats. 



Perennial; tufted; culms thick and tall, 1 — 1.5 

 m. high; leaf blades 6 — 12 mm. wide; spikelets 

 4 — 7 mm. long, with 4 — 7 florets; panicles 20 — 

 40 cm. long. This is a tall species, with large, 

 dense, panicles. It is one of the commonest 

 species of the genus within its range. Marshes 

 and stream banks. June — August. 



Figure 103 



55 



