l66 A MANUAL OF FARM GRASSES 



Species of minor importance. — Several species of 

 annual grasses are common throughout many of the 

 Eastern States but do not in general become troublesome 

 weeds in fields. They are especially found in waste 

 places, vacant lots in towns, along roadsides, and in 

 neglected spots on farms. Usually they are not very 

 difficult to eradicate. Tickle grass (Fanicum capillare 

 L.), smooth panicum (P. dichotomiflorum Michx.), barn- 

 yard grass {Echinochloa crusgalU (L.) Beauv.), goose 

 grass {Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.), stink grass (Era- 

 grostis cilianensis (All.) Link) are examples of this group. 



Wild oats (Avenafatua L.). — This species is especially 

 abundant on the Pacific Coast where it frequently ap- 

 pears in fallow fields and grain fields after harvest. It is 

 also found under the conditions that favor the brome 

 grasses. Wild oats closely resemble the cultivated oat 

 but differs in having a strong bent awn or bristle on the 

 back of each floret; and in having the florets covered with 

 bronze colored hairs. This is an excellent forage grass 

 and is extensively utilized in the production of grain 

 hay (see page 23). A second species, A. barbata, is 

 becoming common in many places. 



WEEDS UPON THE RANGE 



There are several native species of grass that might be 

 considered weeds upon the range but only two kinds are 

 worth mentioning here. Both are pests at maturity 

 when the seed is being scattered. They are perennials. 



Dog-town grass (species of Aristida, chiefly A. longi- 

 seta). — This is common on the Great Plains. It has 

 received the name of dog-town grass because it is usually 



