Sporobolus junceus

The vegetation of Sporobolus junceus is similar to that of Muhlenbergia expansa (cutover muhly), both pineywoods species. Muhlenberiga expansa can be distinguished by its ligule which is white, pointed, wider than the blade and 2-3 mm long, and by the old basal foliage which persists and a mat of dry fibers. The ligule of Sporobolus junceus is a barely visible membrane and its basal foliage does not persist. The dropseeds (Sporobolus sp.) are closely related to the myhlys (Muhlenbergia sp.) but they may be distinguished by a lack of awns on the lemma and a coat over the seed, which can be easily loosened by moistening and rubbing.

Germination is reported to improve with either cold/moist or cold/dry stratification (Steffen 1997). Seeds average approximately 2,200,000/lb.

The following information is for the genus Sporobolus: Animals that eat its seeds: Wild turkey, Lark bunting, Junco, Brewer sparrow, Field sparrow, Savannah sparrow, Tree sparrow, Wite-crowned sparrow, rodents. Animals that eat the plants: Bison, White-tailed deer (Martin et al. 1951). Rates fair as a forage grass. Palatability is low during summer and fall.

One of ten species of Sporobolus found along the gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas. The genus name, Sporobolus, is from the Greek words "spora," or seed and "ballein," to throw, referring to the free seeds. The seeds of some perennial species have been used for food by Indians. Found in loose, sandy soils in forest openings and prairies of western Louisiana and east Texas.

Loose sandy soil, open forests, forest openings, pine barrens.