Sporobolus junceus (P. Beauv.) Kunth - Pineywoods Dropseed
Family - Poaceae
Stems:
Node of stem.
Base of plant.
Leaves:
Leaf base.
Inflorescence:
Whorl of inflorescence.
Flowers:
Close-up of flowers.
Flowering - September - November.
Habitat - Sandy woods, flatwoods, sandhills.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its very thin basal leaves and whorled inflorescences. The plant's sandy habitat is another good character for identification.
The genus name Sporobolus derives from the Greek "spor(o)" meaning "a seed" and "bol(us)" meaning "a throw, stroke, cast forth" referring to the grains of the plant.
The species epithet junceus means "rush-like" from the Latin root for rush "junc(us)."
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 10-9-05.