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Eriochloa acuminata - tapertip cupgrass

Scientific Family
Poaceae
Synonyms
Eriochloa lemmonii var. minor
Other common names
southwestern cupgrass
Plant type
Grasses
Riparian
Yes

Grass Description

Origin
Native
Season
Warm

Found in sandy washes and depressions, along streams and ditches, and in disturbed soils.

Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Riparian
Low elevation
2500
High elevation
5500
Similar species
Eriochola acuminata var. minor

General Description

Stems are 1 to 4 feet long and erect or trailing, sometimes rooting at the lower nodes. Leaves are mostly basal and below the middle of the stems. Small reddish cupules at the base of each spikelet remain after spikelets fall.

Annual. Seedheads spike-like, seedhead stems hairy; spikelets subsessile, 1/4 inch long; first glume reduced, second glume awn-tipped, glumes remain on plant. E.acuminata var. minor has spikelets 1/4 inch long with acute, straight sided tips.

Grass type
Annual
Rhizomes
No
Stolons
No
Clump Diameter 2 ft or more
No
Bushy - highly branched
Yes
Height with Seedheads
24 inches or more
Seedhead Structure
Branched - open and spreading
Seedhead droops
No
First bloom month
August
Last bloom month
October

Flower Characteristics

Flowers per Spikelet
Multi-flowered
Spikelets One-Sided
No
Awns
Less than 1/4 inch
Three Awns
No
Awns bent
No
Flower and Seedhead Notes

Seedheads have 5 to 20 appressed or erect and spreading branches that are widely spaced along the main axis. Branches have 20 to 36 appressed spikelets. Each spikelet has one fertile or bisexual floret and one sterile floret.

Vegetative Characteristics

Blade is hairy
Yes
Blade margins white
No
Blade cross-section
Flat
Folded

Blades are bright green and flat or folded. Leaf sheaths are mostly open or loose. Both blades and sheaths may be smooth or hairy.

Sheath is hairy
Yes
Tufts of hair top of sheath or collar
Yes
Ligule
Membranous and hairy
Auricles
No

Information not available.