11] VEGETATIVE CHARACTERS 61 
Avena pubescens, Huds. (Downy Oat-grass). A variety 
of A. pratensis (see p. 47), but less densely tufted, and 
the leaves flat and pubescent, and especially the sheaths 
very pubescent. Ligule ovate-acute. Shoots flat. Dry 
districts, and a weed. 
Avena flavescens is not easily confounded with any other grass if 
well grown. All the Poas otherwise like it are glabrous, and without 
the ridges. The same applies to A. pubescens. 
Arrhenatherum is also glabrous, its leaves narrower, its ridges 
much flatter and broader, and its ligule is hairy outside (see p. 56). 
Brachypodium sylvaticum, Beauv. (Wood False-brome). 
Rather slender, perennial. Leaves flat and devoid of 
ridges; long, very thin and dry, limp, slightly tapering 
below, hirsute. Sheath round, hairy. Ligule fairly long, 
obtuse, toothed. Copses, &c. Useless. 
Brachypodium pinnatum, L. (Heath False-brome), is 
a species growing in the open, with narrow, firm, rigid, 
erect leaves, hardly hairy; with distinct ridges, and 
tending to roll up. Ligule fringed with hair. Open 
heaths. Useless. 
The only grasses likely to be confounded here are the Bromes, 
and they have entire sheaths. 
