Setaria verticillata (L.) P. Beauv.
Family: Poaceae, Tribe: Paniceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
Panicum verticillata L.
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
hooked bristlegrass
Primary Disseminule Type
spikelet
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Spikelet clusters (1–3 spikelets) subtended by fascicle of 1–2(4) bristles measuring 3–8 mm long, flexible, retrorsely scabrous, glabrous. Disarticulation above the bristles. Spikelet elliptic, dorsally compressed, plano-convex (D-shaped in profile), 1.5–2.5 mm long x 1–1.5 mm wide x 1–1.4 mm thick, falling entire, consisting of one fertile floret and one basal sterile floret without rachilla extension.
Lower glume ovate, 0.5–1(1.4) mm long, 0.33–0.5 length of spikelet, membranous, enwrapping base of spikelet, without keel, 1(3)-veined, apex acute. Upper glume ovate, 0.9–same length as spikelet, membranous, without keel, 5–7-veined, apex acute.
Sterile lemma ovate, same length as spikelet, membranous, 5–7-veined, apex acute. Sterile palea about 0.5 length of sterile lemma, hyaline, 0-veined.
Fertile lemma elliptic to ovate, dorsally compressed, convex in profile, 1–2.1 mm long, whitish-yellow to brown, usually with satiny sheen, indurate, without keel, 3 veins light-colored, surface ridged transversely, margins involute.
Fertile palea indurate, margins involute.
Caryopsis ovate to elliptic, 1.5–2 mm long x 0.9–1.2 mm wide, light grayish-green, embryo >0.66 length of caryopsis, hilum round.
Similar Species
Similar Species Comparison Chart
Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)
AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI