28 THE GRASSES OF MAINE. 



long scales arise from the base of the ovary. Two species belong- 

 ing to this genus occur in this State and may be distinguished as 

 follows : 



Awn about twice the length of the glumes 0. asperifolia. 



Awn very short or wanting 0. Canadensis. 



18. Oryzopsis asperifolia, Michaux. 



O-ry-zop'-sis as-per-i-fo '-li-a . 



Common Names. White Mountain-Rice, Large White-Grained 

 Mountain-Rice. 



Stems erect, from nine to eighteen inches high with sheaths bear- 

 ing only rudimentary leaves on the upper part of the stem, those 

 from the base bearing long and rigid leaves which are rough on the 

 edges, pale beneath and lasting through the winter. The panicle 

 or raceme has but few flowers. The awn arising from the tip of 

 the flow r ering glume is from two to three times as long as the glume. 

 The scales arising from the base of the grain are narrow^ and almost 

 as long as the palea. "The large seeds make a very white and fine 

 flour, but the grain drops so easily that it is impracticable to gather 

 it in large quantities." Flint. 



Common in dry woods, and flowers in June. 



19. Oryzopsis Canadensis, Torrey. 



O-ry-zop'-sis Can-a-den'-sis. 



Common Names. Canadian Rice, Smallest Oryzopsis. 



Stems slender, from six to fifteen inches high, the lowest sheaths 

 bearing developed leaves, the upper ones with the leaves rudimen- 

 tary and all of them have their edges rolled in (involute — thread- 

 shaped). Panicle from one to three inches long, the branches 

 usually in pairs. The flowering glume is whitish and clothed with 

 fine, short hairs, and the awn at the tip is short, easily falls off, and 

 is sometimes wanting. 



This rare species grows on rocky hill-sides and in dry places, and 

 flowers in June. 



Nothing is known of the value of this grass. 



