Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

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

Sphenopholis obtusata (Michaux) Scribner
(Praire Wedgescale)


Family: Poaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Aira obtusata Michaux
Sphenopholis robusta (Vasey) Heller

Sphenopholis obtusata is most easily identified by the very unequal glumes. They are both the same length, but one is narrow and linear while the other is big and boat shaped. The spikelets contain more than one floret, though they can be difficult to see. The ligule is cartilaginous. Sphenopholis obtusata is found in moist areas at middle elevation.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Sphenopholis obtusata, photo Russ Kleinman, Richard Felger, Angela Flanders, Elroy Limmer & the Thursday hiking group, Gold Gulch Spring, November 5, 2009



Sphenopholis obtusata, leaf blades, photo Russ Kleinman, Richard Felger, Angela Flanders, Elroy Limmer & the Thursday hiking group, Gold Gulch Spring, November 5, 2009



Sphenopholis obtusata, closeup of panicle, photo Russ Kleinman, Richard Felger, Angela Flanders, Elroy Limmer & the Thursday hiking group, Gold Gulch Spring, November 5, 2009



Sphenopholis obtusata, closeup of panicle, photo Russ Kleinman, Richard Felger, Angela Flanders, Elroy Limmer & the Thursday hiking group, Gold Gulch Spring, November 5, 2009



Sphenopholis obtusata, macro of spikelet with dissimilar glumes and two florets, photo Russ Kleinman, Richard Felger, Angela Flanders, Elroy Limmer & the Thursday hiking group, Gold Gulch Spring, November 5, 2009



Sphenopholis obtusata, panicle measured, photo Russ Kleinman, Richard Felger, Angela Flanders, Elroy Limmer & the Thursday hiking group, Gold Gulch Spring, November 5, 2009



Sphenopholis obtusata, closeup of long cartilaginous ligule, photo Russ Kleinman, Richard Felger, Angela Flanders, Elroy Limmer & the Thursday hiking group, Gold Gulch Spring, November 5, 2009


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