Tumblegrass

Schedonnardus paniculatus

Poaceae


Description

This low, tufted bunchgrass has scythe-shaped culms that turn downward. Sheaths are overlapping and flattened. The spirally, twisting blades have white margins. The panicle is pale green to purple with one to five spikes. When mature it breaks off and tumbles in the wind. The spikelets have one flower, are embedded in the rachis, and grow in two rows on one side of the slender seed stem.

Tumblegrass is a perennial, warm-season, native - 8 to 25 inches tall.

Poor grazing for both livestock and wildlife.


Habitat

Grows on sandy soil and increases on overgrazed and mismanaged areas.


Images