Common windgrass
June 10, 2015
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EmailApera spica-venti L. Poaceae (Grass family)
Life cycle
Erect winter annual.
Leaves
Leaves are rolled in the bud, smooth and very narrow. Leaf sheaths are hairless and smooth. Margins of ligules are continuous with the sheath.
Ligule
Seedlings have a short, pointed membranous ligule that becomes somewhat torn, toothed or jagged with maturity.
Common windgrass seedlings.
Stems
Erect, smooth, slender stems can be up to 1.5 feet tall. Produces several tillers.
Common windgrass in wheat.
Flowers and fruit
The seedhead is a long open panicle. Reddish-purple spikelets are compressed and one-seeded. Seeds are tipped with a prominent straight awn. Seeds are wind dispersed and often mature before crop harvest.
Reproduction
Seeds.
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