Podagrostis (Griseb.) Scribn. & Merr. Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 13 (3): 58. 1910

Agrostis sect. Podagrostis Griseb. Fl. Ross. 4 (13): 436. 1852.

Type.

Agrostis canina var. aequivalvis Trin. (lectotype, designated by Hitchcock 1920: 127).

Description.

Perennials. Leaves mainly basal; ligules membranous. Inflorescence a panicle, lax and open to contracted and spikelike. Spikelets 1-flowered, disarticulating above the glumes, laterally compressed; glumes as long as the spikelet, equal or subequal, persisting on the plant after the florets have fallen; lower glume 1- or 3-veined; upper glume 1- (2-) or 3-veined; floret subequalling to equaling the apex of the glumes; lemmas membranaceous, often slightly thicker than the glumes, dorsally rounded, 3- or 5-veined, lateral veins not evident to distinct; paleas well-developed, reaching from (2/3) ¾ to subequaling the lemma, keels obscure to distinct, glabrous, usually smooth; calluses rounded, blunt, usually glabrous, or with two short lateral tufts of hairs to 0.5 mm long in some species, abaxially smooth; rachilla prolongation present, varying from rudimentary to 2/3 the floret in length, glabrous or sometimes with short strict hairs to 0.3 mm long emerging only from the apex, smooth or scaberulous. Flowers perfect; anthers 3 in number, 0.4-2.2 mm long. Caryopses hard.