A native rhizomatous perennial with flowering stems 1-4 feet tall growing singly or more often in loosely grouped colonies, some quite extensive (B). In spring and early summer numerous broad, glossy, dark green basal leaves up to 3/4 inch wide are the most prominent feature of this attractive woodland grass (A). In late June arching flower stems bearing long, closed panicles made up of many very ordinary-appearing 2-5 flowered spikelets appear (D). By late summer the mature florets develop into distinctive pear-shaped grains with prominent beaked tips, unlike any of our other grasses (E,F). The distinctive clumps of broad, dried leaves persist throughout the fall and winter (G).
Common in upland woods. Uncommon in lowland woodlands. In Fontenelle Forest, American Beakgrain is present on most if not all upland trails, but best displays are on Prairie and Oak Trails. It is also common on the floodplain along Cottonwood Trail. Large colonies exist in Neale Woods at the overlook on History Trail and on upper Deer Trail (B). There also are extensive stands along the edges of Hilltop Trail between the brome field and Maidenhair Trail.
Wood Grass and Forest Grass are other common names for American Beakgrain.
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