Grass Guide
Reference this any time — inflorescence shape, ligule type, and spikelet structure are usually the fastest way to narrow a grass down to its genus before you match the exact species.
Whole plant & spikelet anatomy
Whole plant anatomy — culm, node, leaf blade, sheath & ligule, inflorescence
Study notes — spikelet anatomy
Inflorescence types
The overall shape of the seed head is often the very first clue — check this before you even get close enough to look at the ligule.
Ligule types
A ligule is a membrane or line of hairs on the upper leaf surface, at the junction of the leaf sheath and blade.
Node ID clues
Genus spikelet guide
"The general structure of the spikelet is consistent within the genus. This occurrence makes the identification of grasses much easier." — Van Oudtshoorn, 2002
Common confusion pair
Sporobolus vs Eragrostis: the spikelets look alike at first glance. Under a loupe — Sporobolus has a SINGLE-flowered spikelet; Eragrostis has MULTIPLE florets per spikelet.
Ecological status
Spikelet anatomy glossary