Brachyelytrum erectum (Schreb.) P. Beauv.

Sang Grass

© DETenaglia

Family - Poaceae/Brachyelytreae

Stems - No info yet.

	Node of stem.
© DETenaglia

	Base of plant.
© DETenaglia

Leaves - No info yet.

	Whitened base of leaf.
© DETenaglia

	Ligule.
© DETenaglia

	Shattered venation of the leaf blade.
© DETenaglia

Inflorescence - No info yet.

Flowers - No info yet.

	Spikelet close-up.
© DETenaglia

Flowering - June - August.

Habitat - Mesic upland forests, bottomland forests, sometimes in dry upland forests.

Origin - Native to the U.S.

Other info. - This species can be found scattered throughout Missouri but is most common in the southern half of the state. The plant is fairly non-distinct, even when in flower, but can be positively identified by the shattered venation of its leaf blades. To see the venation, pick a leaf from the plant and hold it up to bright light, the cross venation of the leaf (see picture above) will be clearly visible. The venation is THE character to look for when identifying this species. If you find a grass without the shattered venation in its leaves, then it IS NOT this species.
The genus Brachyelytrum has only one (perhaps two) species in North America and one species in Asia.

Photographs taken near Big Spring, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Carter County, MO., 6-21-04.