146 



FIG 115 Cynosurus cristatus L. DOG'S-TAIL-GRASS.-a, A spikelet in 

 flower; b, thelSne showing only stigmas; c, a sterile spikelet composed of eniptj 

 glumes. 



115 CYNOSURUSLinn.Sp.Pl. 71. 1753. Spikelets of two forms in small fas- 

 cicles, these forming a dense, somewhat unilateral spike-like panicle; terminal 

 spikelet, of the fascicles 2- to 4-flowered, hermaphrodite, the lower spikelets 

 sterile, consisting of many empty glumes; rachilla of the fertile spikelet articu- 

 lated Emptv glumes 2, narrowly lanceolate, acute; flowering glumes broader, 

 membranous; 1- to 3-nerved, mucronate or awn-pointed. Glumes of the sterile 

 spikelet distichous, spreading, subequal, linear, 1-nerved; rachilla not articu- 

 lated. Stamens 3. Styles distinct, short; stigmas loosely plumose. Gram 

 oblong, finally adherent to the palea. Annual or perennial, csespitose grasses, 



^stecfeVloItin the north temperate regions of the Old World. One intro- 

 duced and sparingly naturalized in the United States. 



