301 



Fig. 295. LOLIUM PERENNE L. Sp. PI. 83. 1758. RYE-GRASS.— A smooth, 

 leafy perennial 3-9 dm. (l°-3°j high, with slender, terminal spikes 7.5-25 cm. 

 (3'-10') long. Sheaths shorter than the internodes; ligule very short; leaf- 

 blades 5-12 cm. (2'-5') long, 2-4 mm. (l"-2") wide. Spikelets (a) about 12 mm. 

 (6") long, 5 to 12 flowered; empty glume much shorter than the spikelet, 

 strongly nerved; flowering glumes (b, c) 4-6 mm. (2"-3") long, obscurely nerved, 

 acute or acuminate, sometimes awned.— Lawns, fields, and waysides, natural- 

 ized, Canada to North Carolina, west to Ohio and Tennessee; California and 

 Arizona. (Europe and Asia.) May to August. 



This species is one of the oldest, if not the oldest grass separately cultivated 

 for forage purposes, as it has been in cultivation in England for over 200 

 years. It is especially valuable for permanent pastures on heavy soils in moist 

 climates. It is a good hay grass where conditions are favorable, but has never 

 been highly esteemed in this country. 



