2. Apera spica‑venti (L.) P. Beauv. (loose silky bent)
Pl. 132 a,
b; Map 536
Agrostis spica‑venti L.
Flowering stems 20–60 cm long. Leaf sheaths with the ligule
2–5 mm long. Leaf blades 5–15(–20) cm long, 3–10 mm wide, the margins usually
flat. Inflorescences 8–25 cm long, relatively open, with loosely ascending to
spreading branches at maturity. Lower glume 2.0–2.9 mm long. Upper glume
2.4–3.2 mm long. Lemma 2–3 mm long. Anthers 1.2–2.0 mm long. 2n=14.
May–July.
Introduced, uncommon, known thus far only from Jackson and Macon Counties and St. Louis (native of Europe, Asia; introduced sporadically
in the northeastern U.S. and adjacent Canada west to Michigan and Missouri). Railroads, pastures, and disturbed, grassy areas.