Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Leersia oryzoides (Linnaeus) Swartz
(Rice Cutgrass)


Family: Poaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
None

If you fail to recognize Leersia oryzoides, you do so at your own risk! The blades are lined with sharp teeth and easily can cut your skin if you run through a stand without realizing it. The panicle is open and stiff, with one flowered spikelets. Glumes are absent.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Leersia oryzoides, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Richard Felger, and the Asteraceae Workshop, Burro Mtns., Mangas Springs, Sept. 12, 2007



Leersia oryzoides, edge of blade, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Mangas Springs, Oct. 16, 2007



Leersia oryzoides, spikelets, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Mangas Springs, Sept. 22, 2008



Leersia oryzoides, retrorsely hispid node (node with stiff backward pointing hairs), photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Mangas Springs, Sept. 22, 2008



Leersia oryzoides, closeup of spikes, photo Russ Kleinman, Richard Felger, Bill Norris, & Kelly Kindscher, Burro Mtns., Gila Bird Area, Oct. 12, 2008


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