GRASSES OF IOWA. 



339 



Fig. 239. Hordeum pusillunv—a, group of 

 epikelets; b, cenrral spikelet. (Div. of Agros. 

 U.S. Dept. Agrl. ) 



Fig. 240. Elymus Virginicus— One of 

 thespikelets shown to the left. (Div. Aaroe. 

 U. S. Dept. of Agrl. ) 



DESCRIPTION. 



Little Barley. An annual, 4 to 10 inches (8-21 cm.) high. 

 Culms more or less geniculate at the lower nodes. Sheaths smooth, the 

 uppermost often inflated and enclosing the base of the spike; leaf-blade 

 1 to 3 inches (2-7 cm.) long, usually a little pubescent on the lower sur- 

 face. Spikes narrow, 1 to 3 inches (2-7 cm.) long. Empty glumes rigid, 

 the four internal ones of each group dilated above the base, those of the 

 fcentral spikelet sublan;eolate, all awn-pointed; outer glumes of the im- 

 perfect, lateral spikelets setaceous. Flowering- glume of the central spike- 



