224 PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS. 
Stem upright, circular, smooth, and strong, bearing fifteen 
and upwards of broad, lanceolate, many-ribbed, smooth leaves, 
with roughish striated sheaths, which extend beyond their 
leaves, and are destitute of ligules. Joints fifteen, smooth 
and polished. Inflorescence compound-panicled; panicle large, 
drooping on one side, pale brown in colour. Spikelets numerous, 
spreading, and of three awnless florets. Calyx of two unequal, 
acute, narrow glumes, with a rib on either side; upper one 
situated on a brief peduncle. Florets of two palee, exterior 
one of basal floret lanceolate, three-ribbed, and twice the length 
of the large glume; inner palea short. The peduncle of the 
second floret having lengthy, white, silky hairs spreading in 
every direction, and giving a beautiful silky appearance to the 
large panicle. Length from sixty to seventy inches. Root 
perennial and creeping. 
Flowers in August, and ripens its seed in September. 
The specimen for illustration was procured at Highfield 
House. 
