192 



Fig. 186. CHX.ORIS ELEGANS H. B. K. Nov. Gen. et Sp. Pi. 1: 166. t. U9. 1815. 

 (C. aXba Presl, Rel. Haenk. 1: 289. 1830.)— An erect perennial 3-9 dm. (lo-8°) 

 iiigli, witiisliglitly inflated siieatiis, flat leaves, and eiglit to twelve silky-bearded 

 spikes 2-8 cm. (l'-3') long, clustered or umbellate at the apex of the culms. 

 Leaf-blades 1-20 cm. (Ij'-S'j long, 2-6 mm. (l"-3") wide, erect or ascending, 

 smooth beneath, scabrous above. Spikelets, exclusive of awns, 4 mm. (2") long, 

 hairy at base; empty glumes (a) lanceolate, often purplish, acuminate, the 

 first three-fifths as long as the second, which is about 3 mm. (1^") long; flower- 

 ing glume about 3 mm. {\\") long, glabrous or pilose with short hairs, bearing an 

 awn .5-10 mm. r2i"-5") long. Palea (c) about as long as the glume.— Dry mesas 

 and desert hills of western Texas, southern Arizona, New Mexico, southern 

 California, and southward. An ornamental grass. June to November. 



