Status: Native
Synonyms:
Bouteloua procumbens (Durand) Griffiths
Chondrosum simplex (Lagasca) Kunth
Bouteloua simplex is an annual grama grass most easily identified by the inflorescence that is reduced to a single branch terminating the culm. The spikelets are 3-4 times wide as broad and therefore considerably more stout than B. barbata, another annual grama grass in the Gila. The spikelets of B. simplex consist of a bisexual bottom floret and a very reduced upper floret. The upper floret is just a column of three awns, with a very pilose node beneath them. Bouteloua simplex is found at middle to upper elevation in disturbed areas.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Bouteloua simplex, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, beginning of trail from parking area at heliport behind Fort Bayard, Oct. 7, 2014
Bouteloua simplex, annual habit with single inflorescence branch terminating the culms, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, beginning of trail from parking area at heliport behind Fort Bayard, Oct. 7, 2014
Bouteloua simplex, inflorescence branch terminating the culm, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, beginning of trail from parking area at heliport behind Fort Bayard, Oct. 7, 2014
Bouteloua simplex, 3x macro of two spikelets, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, beginning of trail from parking area at heliport behind Fort Bayard, Oct. 7, 2014
Bouteloua simplex, 4x macro of spikelet with upper floret reduced to a column of three awns, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, beginning of trail from parking area at heliport behind Fort Bayard, Oct. 7, 2014
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