Hilaria mutica
Tobosagrass
A wild patch of Hilaria mutica, common name Tobosagrass. |
The seedheads are a bit shorter (two inches long) and rougher or shaggier than those of Galleta, its sister. |
The roughness appears because the glumes are very large and flared out like flower petals. |
The glume "petals" are much wider than those of Galleta. |
The dark colored stigmas project from the fascicles like those of Galleta. A fascicle is a flower-like clump of spikelets. |
The roots of Tobosagrass. |
How to Identify Tobosagrass
Very short, shaggy spikes are the first clue. Then using your hand lens, look for the wide glumes. Those of Tobosagrass are so wide they don't look like glumes at all, but like flower petals.
Similar Species
Only Galleta is close enough to cause problems. See below.
A Tobosagrass fascicle. Note the fanned-out spoon shape of the glumes in front. |
A Galleta fascicle. Note the thinner glumes that are not spoon-shaped. |