Paspalum

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Paspalum leaf

Paspalum spikelets

Paspalum inflorescence

Paspalum

Paspalum

Paspalum blade

Paspalum

Paspalum throat

Paspalum inflorescence

Morphology

Culm

Ascending or spreading, few to several stems in a tuft, compressed, somewhat purplish towards base, glabrous, nodes sometimes slightly pubescent.

Blades

Flat, firm, yellowish-green, 2 to 10 inches long, .2 to .6 inch wide, variably hairy to nearly glabrous, rounded at base; margins crinkly, long hairs from pimple-like bases; tips pointed.

Sheath

Flattened, throat and margins hairy.

Ligule

Short membrane backed by white hairs.

Inflorescence

Racemes, 1-3 or rarely more, 2 to 5 inches long, slender, straight or arching, terminal on stalks; axillary racemes usually solitary, often completely or partially enclosed in sheaths.

Spikelets

Usually in pairs, arranged alternately in two rows on one side of flattened rachis, crowded or relatively loose, short-stalked, nearly circular, pale, glabrous or pubescent; first glume typically absent; second glume and sterile lemma about equal, both 3-nerved.

Ecology

Habitat

Open ground of pastures, roadsides, and open woods; sandy soils.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

The Kiowa considered sand paspalum a beneficial fodder plant.

Additional Notes

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.