Needle Grama
Bouteloua aristidoides
Photographed in Phoenix, Arizona, USA in 27 Aug 2007. This photo is also hosted at Wikimedia where there are additional images of Grass species.
ANNUAL GRASS: This delicate, warm-season annual grass appears in the
Sonoran Desert from late spring into fall and rarely grows taller than 30 cm.
RANGE: Can be found along washes, roadsides and vacant urban lots.
LEAVES: Blades are narrow (< 3 mm) and ca. 7 cm long.
SPIKES: The several florets on each spikelet are narrow and tipped
with a awns giving the needle-like appearance.
UNARMED. The awns are not sharp, but may become entangled in socks or an
animal's fur as they fall and disperse.