Anthaenantia villosa (Michx.) Beauv., green silkyscale 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season , rhizomatous perennial. 
Height : 2 to 4 feet. 
Leaf blade: 4 to 12 inches long; light green; distinct fringe 
of silky hair along edge; twists and curls particularly 
when young. 
Leaf sheath: Chiefly basal; rounded; obscure collar. 
Ligule: Ridgelike membrane with dense ring of short hair. 
Stem: Round; slender. 
Seedhead: Panicle slender, pale green; oval spikelets covered 
with short, stiff hair. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts slowly in spring and becomes more prominent 
during summer. Forms loose colonies. Becomes dormant in fall 
and winter. Seedheads form in fall; seedstalks break off and dis- 
appear in winter. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Throughout South from 30-inch rainfall belt eastward. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Adapted to well-drained upland soils. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Green silkyscale is seldom abundant enough to be a key man- 
agement species but it adds variety to livestock diet. Cattle graze 
it readily during summer, fall, and early winter. It is an indicator 
of good range condition. 
This grass is a decreaser when closely grazed throughout its 
growing season. To maintain it in the plant community, defer 
grazing 70 to 90 days every 3 to 4 years during the growing sea- 
son. Foliage can be burned if done during the dormant season and 
no oftener than every 2 to 3 years. But grazing should be deferred 
90 days during the spring growing season following a burn. 
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