False buffalograss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids False buffalograss |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Munroa |
| Species: |
M. squarrosa
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| Binomial name | |
| Munroa squarrosa (Nutt.) Torr.
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False buffalograss (scientific name: Munroa squarrosa) is a type of grass. It grows naturally in North America. You can find it from central Canada all the way down to Chihuahua in Mexico. This grass likes to grow in dry, open places. It can even be found in areas where the ground has been disturbed, like roadsides.
What is False Buffalograss?
False buffalograss is an annual bunchgrass. This means it lives for only one growing season. It also grows in clumps or bunches, rather than spreading out widely. The plant forms a tangled mat on the ground. This mat is usually no more than 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) wide.
Leaves and Stems
The stems of false buffalograss have many branches. These branches help create the tangled mat shape. The leaves are short, narrow, and spiky. They are only about 1 to 2 centimeters long. The edges of the leaves have small hairs, which can make them feel a bit rough.
Flowers and Seeds
The plant's inflorescence is its flower cluster. For false buffalograss, this cluster is quite short. Sometimes, it can be hard to spot. It might be hidden within a group of leaves near the ends of the stems. The small flower parts are called spikelets. These spikelets are hairy and are just under a centimeter long. They contain the seeds that will grow into new plants next year.
