Muhlenbergia microsperma   (DC.) Kunth   Poaceae (Grass Family)   Native   Annual Muhlenbergia     Littleseed Muhly

                                    January Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Branching usually purplish annual with spreading culms 1-6 dm. long; sheaths smooth or scaberulous; ligule 1 mm. long, decurrent to sheath, truncate to obtuse, toothed; blades 2-5 cm. long, flat, 1-2.5 mm. wide; panicles narrow, lax, 2-20 cm. long, 1-5 cm. wide; glumes ovate, 1-nerved, unequal, the 2d longer, 1 mm. long; lemma narrow, 3-nerved, 2.5-4.5 mm. long; awn capillary, 10-15 mm. long; cleistogamous spikelets develop at the base of the lower sheaths.

Habitat:  Common in dry open +/- disturbed places at low elevs.; V. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Creosote Bush Scrub, etc.; L. Calif. to cent. Calif.; Nev., Ariz., San Clemente, Santa Catalina, Anacapa, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz ids.  March-May.

Name:  Named for G.H.E. Muhlenberg, 1753-1915, Am. botanist.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 983).  Micro, Greek, small.  Sperma, Greek, seed.  Microsperma, small seeded.  (John Johnson).

General:  Rare in the study area, found only on a small bank above and near the westerly end of the horse and bike path in the Santa Ana Heights area.  (my comment).      Many of the western species are important range grasses, forming a considerable proportion of the grass flora of the arid and semiarid regions, and long ago dubbed "muhly" by forest rangers.  (Hitchcock 369).       About 125 spp., mostly in Mex. and sw. U.S.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 983).       Also in South America.  (Hickman, Ed. 1274).

Text Ref:  Abrams Vol. I 138; Hickman, Ed. 1274; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 984.

Photo Ref:  Oct 87-Jan 88 # 28,29.

Identity: by John Johnson.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 389.

Have plant specimen.

Last edit 4/19/03.

                                               January Photo