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.