Stinkgrass, Lovegrass

[Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Vign. ex Janchen]

Poaceae (Grass Family)

▲▼ mature plants

▲▼ pre-flowering plants

▲ inflorescence

▲ ligule and collar region

Stinkgrass or Lovegrass:  (pp. 426-427, Weeds of the Great Plains; not in Weeds of the Northeast)

·         warm-season, annual grass; 3-12” tall, with spreading growth habit

·         dark-green, narrow leaf blades

·         dense panicle inflorescence that is whitish, silvery or sometimes gray-black colored spikelets

·         inflorescences gives off musky odor when bruised (why is called stinkgrass)

·         found in compacted, wet or dry soils (foot paths, cow paths)

·         several similar species may be found in Missouri, such as tufted lovegrass, which has thinner leaves and smaller spikelets and florets in panicle