Sphenopholis obtusata

Narrow spike with silvery sheen due to silver stripes on florets. Ligule – transparent or opaque auricles.

Seeds may be planted fresh or stored and planted in the fall. Seed germination of stored seed is improved by cold/dry stratification (Steffen 1979).

Considered of poor forage value.

Found frequently along the edges of forest, moist prairies, and disturbed areas of Louisiana and east Texas. Reportedly prefers partial shade and sandy or sandy loam soils. It ranges over most of the United States. Thomas and Allen (1993) consider those plants found in Louisiana to be Sphenopholis obtusata var. obtusata. Because the PLANTS database (USDA 1998) has no listing for this variety, and consequently no symbol for it, we treat it as Sphenopholis obtusata. The range map given is for Sphenopholis obtusata var. obtusata.

Moist swales, moist meadows, stream banks. Marsh, damp woods or prairies.