f 
'435 
GENUS 13. ORYZOPSIS. Michaux. 
# 
[From oryza, rice, and opsis, likeness.] * 
Glumes several-nerved, nearly equal, commonly rather longer than th© 
elliptical flower, which is deciduous at maturity with a very short bearded 
callus; lower palea coriaceous, with a simple untwisted and deciduous awn 
jointed on its apex; stamens three; scales mostly two, conspicuous; styles 
sometimes united; stigmas plumose. 
34. Oryzopsis Asperifolia. Michaux. 
Syn. —Urachne asperifolia, Trim U. leucosperma, Link. Mountain rice. 
Culms clothed with sheaths bearing a mere rudimentary blade, overtopped 
by the long and rigid linear leaf from the base; panicle very simple and 
raceme like, few flowered, awn two or three times the length of the rather 
hairy whitish paleae. Perennial; flowers in May, ripens in June and July; 
culms 12 to 18 inches high. Deep, shady woods; Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio ? 
and about Lake Superior. 
The numerous radical leaves of this species remain green during the winter, 
and afford a refreshing bite for such cattle as have the good fortune to find 
them. It grows quite abundantly in some localities in this State. 
Pursh considers the mountain rice worthy the attention of farmers, as the 
large seeds contain the finest flour * But the grain drops off so easily upon 
the slightest touch, that it would be difficult to gather any considerable quan¬ 
tity. I am not aware that any experiments have been made to ascertain tb© 
value of this species, either as food for man or beast. 
Plate IV. Fig. 1, a plant the natural size when in flower in the spring; 
2, spikelet; 3, the glumes; 4, lower palea; 5, scale; G, grain. 
35. Oryzopsis Canadensis. Torrey. 
Syn. —0. parviflora, Nutt. Stipa juncea, Michx. S. Canadensis, Poir. 
Milium pungens, Torr. Urachne brevicandata, Trim 
Culms slender, the lowest sheaths leaf bearing; leaves involute thread-shaped, 
rigid; panicle contracted, the branches usually in pairs; paleae hairy-bearded ? 
whitish; awn short and very deciduous or wanting. Perennial; flowers in 
May; culms 8 to 18 inches high. Itocky woods and dry places. Michigan 
and about Lake Superior. 
• Flora, vol. 1, p. GO. 
