HOW TO KNOW THE GRASSES 



13a. Spikelets disarticulating in the pedicel, falling with the stub of 

 the pedicel attached See Fig. 182 (Trisetuxn pennsylvanicum) 



13b. Spikelets disarticulating just below the hairy glumes. Fig. 190. 



VELVET GRASS Holcus lanatus L. 



Perennial; tufted; culms 30 — 60 cm. tall; 

 panicles elliptical, closely flowered. The 

 spikelets have an awnless perfect lower floret 

 and a staminate second floret with a short 

 awn. The entire plant is softly velvety to 

 the touch. Open moist ground, meadows, 

 thickets. Velvet grass was imported for for- 

 age but is rarely cultivated now. The plant 

 has been known to kill Hvestock under some 

 conditions. Forage value low. Introduced 

 from Europe. June — August. 



Figure 190 









101 



