6. Blade 



The blade is the upper, non-clasping part of the leaf above the collar and ligule. It is usually 

 long and flat but sometimes narrow leaves are so tightly folded as to appear solid or bristle-like. 

 Broad blades may be flat, V-shaped, rolled, or have both margins rolled inward. The width of the 

 blades, although variable within a certain limit in a species or on a single plant, are of considerable 

 value in separating many grasses. The shape of the blade is of considerable value in a few cases. 



The blade surfaces and the blade margins may be smooth, rough or hairy. In some cases the 

 veins are so prominent on the upper surface as to form ridges. On the lower surface, the midrib 

 may be prominent and form a keel. The partially closed blade tip that is shaped like the prow of a 

 boat is common to the bluegrasses and is valuable in identification. The shade of green color in the 

 blade is so dependent on the conditions of moisture, fertility and light that it is not dependable as a 

 character in identification. Some species, however, have a definite blue-green color (glaucous) and 

 this characteristic can be used in distinguishing them. 



Flat 

 Keeled below 



V-shaped 



Folded 



Bristle- 1 ike 



Flat 

 Ridged above 



Rolled 



Margins 

 Rolled in 



r\\ 



Tapering to Tip 



6 • 



Boat-shaped Tip 



Parallel-sided 



Narrowed to Base 



