3. Erianthus ravennae (L.) P. Beauv. (ravenna grass, plume grass)

Pl. 122 d, e; Map 500

Saccharum ravennae (L.) P. Beauv.

Flowering stems 100–300 cm long, glabrous below the inflorescence except for short hairs at the nodes. Leaf blades 15–60 cm long, 5–12 mm wide, glabrous or hairy at the base. Inflorescences 20–60 cm long, the branches loosely ascending, with a silvery white to grayish white coloration. Silky hairs at the base of the spikelets (and of the axes and spikelet stalks) shorter than the spikelets. Glumes 4–6 mm long, with long, silky hairs. Lemmas entire at the tip, the awn 3–6 mm long (rarely awnless), flattened toward the base, straight or more commonly somewhat spirally twisted. 2n=20, 60. September–November.

Introduced, uncommon in eastern Missouri (native of southern Europe; widely cultivated in the U.S. and naturalized sporadically). Roadsides, railroads.

This species is sure to be collected with increased frequency near urban areas in the future. It tolerates thin, poor soils, such as those found along rocky ledges of road cuts. In the Kansas City area, unvouchered reports exist of this species becoming established on the refuse piles from a coal‑burning electric plant, where virtually no other vegetation can grow.