This native perennial has erect or nodding flower stems from 2-3 feet tall. The flat, relatively short 3-8 inch leaves are broadest near the base, tapering slowly to a bluntly pointed tip (A). Most leaves come off one side of the stem and project out stiffly at a 90 degree angle, giving individual plants a “windblown” look (C). Cross-veins can be seen between the main parallel veins when transilluminated or backlit by the sun (D). The flower cluster is a narrow, closed panicle from 3-6 inches long bearing slender 1/2 inch florets each with an awn that is usually longer than the floret (E). In mature plants the panicle may open up a bit making the individual branches more obvious (F).
Moist upland woods. This plant, although common in a number of areas on Prairie, History and Oak Trails, is rare on the trails that are closer to the Buffett Learning Center. A few plants are present on Ridge and Chickadee Trails. To date it has only been found at Fontenelle Forest.
Another superficially similar plant of the upland woods, Black-seed Ricegrass (Piptatherum racemosum), has an open panicle and longer arching leaves which do not have cross veins. The cross-veins are unique to Bearded Wood Grass and are not present in any other grass at Fontenelle Forest or Neale Woods.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.