Axonopus fissifolius

Axonopus fissifolius has hairy spikelets, 1/4" wide leaves and no still hairs on leaf margins. 2-4 racemes with very small spikelets alternating in 2 rows. Spikelets hairy, 1.7-2.2 mm long and apically blunt. Stems flattened. Leaf blades rounded on the tips. Ligule short still hairs. (Look-alikes – A. furcatus -smooth spikelets, larger than A. fissifolius(4.5-6 mm long, and apically pointed) and A. compressus – spikelets hairy at base, 1.7-3 mm long and apically pointed with point extended). Other grasses with a Y-shaped inflorescence: Paspalum conjugatum, P. notatum, P. distichum, P. vaginatum.

Commercial seed has a purity of 92 percent and a germination rate of 90 percent. There are 1,222,000 seed per pound and the recommended planting rate is 5-12 lbs/acre.

Desirable to cattle and where common it makes fair forage. Poor wildlife value.

Under favorable conditions it spreads rapidly by stolons, developing a dens sod. It prefers moist, medium to fine-textured soil. On dry sandy soils it occurs sparingly, growing in shallow depressions or in intensely grazed areas. It cannot compete with taller grasses and is an increaser under grazing (Grelen and Hughes 1984). It is nutritious and palatable to livestock throughout the growing season. The origin of Axonopus fissifolius is not clear with some authors claiming that the species is indigenous to Europe while others believe it to be native to North America.

Lawns, pastures, disturbed ground.