IUCN threat status:

Least Concern (LC)

Comprehensive Description

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Goose Grass superficially resembles one of the Digitaria spp. (Crabgrasses) because of the finger-like spikes of its inflorescence and its habit of growth, but it is actually quite different. The foliage of Goose Grass is dark green and shiny, while the foliage of Crabgrass is dull medium green. The spikelets of Goose Grass, if they are examined carefully, will be found to have multiple overlapping scales and florets (typically 3-7 florets per spikelet). These spikelets are initially shiny and silvery, but they later turn brown. In contrast, each spikelet of Crabgrass has only a single floret and fewer scales. The finger-like spikes of Crabgrass are more narrow than those of Goose Grass, and they are usually green or reddish green and less shiny. The seeds of Goose Grass have been used as a source of flour in the Middle East and Africa.

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© John Hilty

Source: Illinois Wildflowers

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