silver hairgrass
Family
PoaceaeScientific Name
Aira caryophylleaSynonyms (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