202 A TEXT-BOOK OF GRASSES 
Epicampes (EF. rigens Benth.) is of some economic im- 
portance in Mexico, whence it is exported, the strong 
fibrous roots being used to make coarse brushes. 
232. Phleum L—Timothy. A _ small 
genus of cold regions, recognized by the 
densely cylindrical spike-like panicles, and 
1-flowered much-compressed spikelets., Only 
1 species is native in America, the moun- 
tain timothy (P. alpinum L.) of the higher 
mountains and arctic regions. Common 
timothy (P. pratense L.) (Fig. 38), a native 
of Europe, is our most important cultivated 
meadow-grass. In some localities this grass 
is known as herd’s-grass. 
Phleum pratense L. Timothy. Perennial; culms 
in tufts, somewhat bulbous at base, erect, smooth, 
2 to 3 feet high; sheaths smooth; ligule membranace-- 
ous, 2 to 3 mm. long or the uppermost longer; 
blades flat, a few inches to a foot long; panicle 
densely cylindrical and spike-like, 2 to 5 inches 
long, obtuse; glumes about 3 mm. long, excluding 
the 1 to 2 mm. long awn, compressed, abruptly 
rounded to the awn, long-ciliate on the keel, the 
lemma and palea about equal, thin, half as long as 
the glumes. 
ey 233. Alopecurus L—A small 
NS genus of wide distribution, in cold tem- 
)Y\SSS) perate regions and in high altitudes, 
Fic. 38. Phleum pra~ one species of which, meadow foxtail 
tense. Inflorescence, X 14; 4 ; : 
eS ee (A. pratensis), a native of Europe, is 
. occasionally cultivated as a meadow- 
grass. This species may be recognized by its resemblance 
to timothy in having densely cylindrical spike-like 
panicles, but differing in having awns on the back of 
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