Scientific anme: Poa annua L.
Common names: Annual poa, winter grassFamily: PoaceaeOrigin:Native of Europe now widespread in temperate regions. Habit:Annual or short-lived perennial tufted grass up to 30 cm tall. Grows over winter and early spring. Habitat:Common weed of damp, shady areas in lawns and disturbed sites. General description:Stems and leavesStems are erect or spreading, rooting at lower nodes. Leaves are pale green, hairless and soft, with margins that are slightly rough. Leaf blades are 0.5-12 × 0.1-0.5 cm with a blunt tip. There is a ligule at the base of the leaf blade a membranous appendage 3-4 mm long. Flowers and fruitThe inflorescences are open panicles (inflorescences with several spreading branches) carrying spikelets which consist of three or four flowers. Spikelets are oblong to egg-shaped 3-5.5 mm long Distinguishing characteristics:Soft, pale, tufted grass, growing to 30 cm tall, with an open panicle of 3-5.5 mm oblong to ovoid spikelets. Flourish during winter and spring. Noxious status:Not noxious. Sources:Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 3. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney. |