MANUAL OF THE GRASSES OF THE UNITED STATES 465 



88. HILARIA H.B.K. 



Spikelets sessile, in groups of 3, the groups falling from the axis 

 entire, the central spikelet (next the axis) fertile, 1-flowered (occa- 

 sionally 2-flowered), the 2 lateral spikelets staminate, 2-flowered 

 (occasionally 3-nowered); glumes coriaceous, those of the 3 spike- 



Figure 1002— Hilaria belangeri. Plant, X H; single spike, X 1; group of spikelets, two views (A), X 5; 

 fertile spikelet (B), staminate spikelet (C), and fertile floret (Z>), X 5. (Hitchcock, Tex.) 



lets forming a false involucre, in some species connate at the base, 

 more or less asymmetric, usually bearing an awn on one side from 

 about the middle (extension of the midnerve of the asymmetric 

 glume) ; lemma and palea hyaline, about equal in length. Perennials, 

 with stiff, solid culms and narrow blades, the groups of spikelets 



