Amazon Sprangletop
[Leptochloa panicoides (J. Presl) Hitchc.]
Poaceae (Grass Family)
▲ inflorescence
▲▼mature, flowering plants
▲▼ligule and collar region
Amazon Sprangletop: (not in Weeds of the Great Plains, nor Weeds of the Northeast)
* Upright-spreading warm-season grass, 1-4 feet tall and wide
* Leaf blades and sheath dark green, hairy, with prominent white midvein
* Inflorescences in a panicle with spikelet held at an angle against the panicle branches, (appears sort of "saw-toothed"
* Similar species, bearded sprangletop, has spikelets held closer to panicle branches, and less hairs
* Prefers fertile, moist, sandy soils
* Found more in southeast Missouri and further southeast in U.S.