159 



Fig. 153. AIRA PRiECOX Linn. Sp. PI. 65. 1753. EARLY WILD OAT- 

 GRASS.— A tufted, erect or ascending annual 2-15 cm. (l'-6') high, with a con- 

 tracted panicle 1-2 cm. (i'-l')long. Sheaths clothing the whole culm; ligule 

 about 3 mm. (1^") long; leaf-blades 2 cm. (1') long or less, involute-setaceous. 

 Spikelets (a) 3 mm. (li") long, with equal acute empty glumes and acuminate, 

 2-toothed, awned, flowering glumes (b) about 3 mm. (1^") long; awns 8-4 mm. 

 (U"-2") long.— Introduced and sparingly distributed in the Middle States near 

 the ccfast, growing in sandy soil. Also on Vancouver Island. (Europe.) May 

 to July. 



