265 



Fig. 259. MELICA SPECTABILIS Scribn. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1885 : 45. 

 1885. (M. bulbosa o! S. Wats, in King's Explor. 40th Par. 5 : 383. 1871; Porter and 

 Coulter Syn. Fl. Colo. 149. 1874; not Geyer, 1856.)— A csespitose, stoloniferous 

 species 3-6 dm. (lo-2°) high, with scabrous, flat leaves and loosely flowered, 

 nodding, simple panicles 10-20 cm. (4'-8') long. Sheaths equaling or exceed- 

 ing the internodes; ligule about 2 mm. (1") long; leaf-blades plane or involute, 

 15-20 cm. (6'-8') long, 2-4 mm. (l"-2") wide. Spikelets (a) 10-12 mm. (5"-6".) long, 

 3 to 8 flowered; empty glumes (6) obtuse or acute, the first shorter than the 

 second, which is 5-6 mm. (2i"-3") long; flowering glumes 7-8 mm. (3i'M") long, 

 7 to 9 nerved.— Damp gras.sy meadows, rich bottom lands, dry hillsides, etc., 

 altitude 950-2,400 m. (2,850°-7,200°), Montana to Washington and Oregon, south 

 to Colorado, Wyoming, and Nevada. June to September. 



