32 



Anthoxanthxm, .Linn. 



Panicle somewhat spike-like. Spikelets apparently 3-flowered, but 

 only the terminal one perfect ; the lower pair of glnrnes unequal, 

 the lower one much smaller than the upper ; above these and below 

 the perfect flower are two short, thin, two-lobed pubescent glumes, 

 sometimes called abortive flowers, each one with an awn between the 

 lobes ; the upper or perfect flower is smaller, consisting of one broad, 

 thin, three-nerved glume, and one (commonly considered the palet) 

 narrow, one-nerved, hyaline glume. No true palet. Stamens 2, styles- 

 2, distinct. 



1. A. odoratnm, Linn. Sweet vernal-grass. Naturalized. 



A perennial grass, native of Europe, much employed as a part of 

 mixed lawn grasses, and also frequently found in meadows. It 

 grows thinly on the ground, with slender culms, seldom more than 



1 foot to 18 inches in height, and scanty in foliage. The panicle is 



2 to 3 inches long, narrow, and close, but expands considerably dur- 

 ing flowering time. It is very fragrant, and gives a pleasant odor 

 to hay. 



Hierochloa, Gmelin. 



Spikelets three-flowered in an open panicle ; the terminal flower 

 perfect, but with only two stamens, the two lower flowers male only, 

 each with three stamens ; the two outer glumes thin and scarious,. 

 acutely keeled, the glumes of the male flowers thicker, sometimes 

 short-awned, each inclosing a narrow, thin, bifid, two-keeled palet ; 

 the upper or perfect flower has a one-nerved glume in place of the 

 usual palet. 



1. H. alpina, H. <£■ -S'. High mountains. 



2. H. borealis, JR. db S. Xorthern and subalpine. 



This is a perennial grass of northern latitudes, growing in moist 

 meadows near the coast, also in low marshy ground in some parts 

 of Illinois and other States bordering the Great Lakes, and in the 

 mountains of Colorado and northward. The name Hierochioa 

 means sacred, grass, so called because it, with other sweet-scented 

 grasses, was strewed before the church doors in the north of Europe- 

 The culms grow from 1 to 2 feet high, with short lanceolate leaves, 

 and an open pyramidal panicle from 2 to 5 inches long. It is very 

 sweet-scented and is often used to perfume drawers, <fec. It grows- 



