Sporobolus cryptandrus

Sporobolus cryptandrus is a species of grass known as sand dropseed.[1] It is native to North America, where it is widespread in southern Canada, most of the United States, and northern Mexico.

Sporobolus cryptandrus
Growing on a roadside near Alzada, Montana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Sporobolus
Species:
S. cryptandrus
Binomial name
Sporobolus cryptandrus

Description
Spikelets

Sporobolus cryptandrus is a perennial bunchgrass forming a tuft of stems growing up to a meter long, erect to decumbent in form. The stem bases are thick but not hard or woody. The leaves are up to 26 cm (10 in) long and rough-haired along the margins. Some stand out from the stems in a perpendicular fashion. The inflorescence is dense and narrow when new, spreading out and becoming diffuse, with some branches sticking straight out, with age. The base of the inflorescence is often sheathed within the top leaf, which spreads out beside it. The grass produces abundant seeds; an individual inflorescence is capable of bearing 10,000 seeds.[2][3]

Habitat

Sand dropseed is a common grass in many types of North American prairies and grows in a wide variety of other habitats, including disturbed areas such as roadsides.

Ecology

The seeds of this grass provide food for small birds and mammals, including scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) and black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus).[4]

References
  1. "Sporobolus cryptandrus". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  2. Jepson Manual Treatment - Sporobolus cryptandrus
  3. Tilley, D., L. St. John, and D. Ogle. 2009. Plant guide for sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus). USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho Plant Materials Center. Aberdeen, ID.
  4. US Forest Service Fire Ecology
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