GRASSES OF IOWA. 



393 



Sprouting crab grass {Panicum proliferum) is an annual with 

 coarse, spreading, ascending stem, two to six feet long, with 

 flat leaves. 



P. Lamson-Scribner says:* 



"It grows naturally in moist, rich soil along the banks of 

 streams and rivers, around the shores of ponds and lakes, and 

 in the south is often abundant in rich, cultivated fields, grow- 

 ing with crab grass. The stout, succulent stems are sweetish 

 and much relished by horses and cattle. Its range is from 

 Maine to Nebraska, and southward to the gulf,* blossoming in 

 the latter part of summer or early autumn. The spontaneous 

 growth of this grass in cultivated fields after the removal of 

 crops is of some value for hay or pasturage, but its cultiva- 

 tion cannot be recommended in view of the fact that we have 

 many annual grasses much superior to it. In the northern and 

 middle states it is classed with the weeds. " 



CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. 



One sample was analyzed in the station laboratory, with the 

 following results: 



NATURAL CONDITION. 



WATER FREE SUBSTANCE. 



Sample 



2.57 I 6 3U I (5.52) | 31 46 | 22.84 | 36.84 



The following analyses are given for comparison: 

 NATURAL CONDITION. 



♦Bull. U. S. Dept. Agrl. Div. Agros. 14:54. 



