Alopecurus aequalis
This genus is characterized by dense cylindrical spike-like
inflorescences containing 1-flowered spikelets. At maturity the
entire spikelet, including glumes, falls from the plant. Glumes
are awnless, apically rounded, generally united in their basal
portion, strongly keeled, and with cilia on the keel. Lemmas are
about as long the glumes and have an awn attached on the
back, which extends only slightly beyond the glumes.
3 species in MN; 2 native
Common species:
Alopecurus aequalis (al low peh cure' us ee qua' lis)
Synonyms: None
Common names: short-awn foxtail
Origin and habitat: Native; moist habitats, especially along
marshy shores
Identifying characters: See the generic description.
Comments: Similar in appearance to timothy (Phleum pratense)
but with a narrower inflorescence and the glumes are rounded
at the apex rather than awned as in timothy. Although native,
short-awn foxtail seldom forms extensive populations,
generally occurring in small patches.
MAPS
ADDITIONAL SPECIES IN MINNESOTA:
A. carolinianus
A. pratensis
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