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Weed Identification

silver hairgrass

Family

Poaceae

Scientific Name

Aira caryophyllea

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Aira caryophyllea L. var. caryophyllea

Habit

Small tufted annual grass with ascending branches.

Leaves

Leaves are low. Blades are angled and can be up to 5cm long.

Identifying Characteristics

Internodes are usually smooth with occasional pubescent below the node. Silver grass has a slender stem.

Flower Seed Head

Spikelets and glumes are 2-3mm long. Awns are 2.5-3mm long. Panicles are delicate and diffuse.

Where Found

Silver grass is commonly found along roadsides, waste places in the piedmont and coastal regions.

Leaf Hair on Upper Surface

no hairs

Mature Leaf Width

less than 5 mm

Seedhead

branched spike

Life Cycle

winter annual

Plant Type

Grass