Plains bristlegrass

Setaria leucopila

Poaceae


Description

This plant is pale green. Culms are flattened, often knee-like, branching at the base and lower joints. The blades are 1/8 to 2/5 inch wide, often folded, and rough on the back. The panicle is slim, bristly, and narrowed at the top, often looking like an old, worn bottle brush. There is usually one bristle attached below each spikelet.

Plains bristlegrass is a perennial, warm-season, native - 12 to 48 inches tall.

Good grazing for livestock. Fair grazing for wildlife. Seeds are excellent food for birds.


Habitat

Grows in open, dry ground and under the protection of brush in overgrazed areas. Often seeded on rangeland after mechanical brush control.


Images