- The arrangement of a leaf or leaves in the budshoot. In general they may
be classified as rolled or folded. (Example: New shoots of Kentucky bluegrass
are folded. New shoots of Quackgrass are rolled.)
- The structure which clasps the stem at the junction of blade and sheath.
The type (membranous or hairy) and shape (tall, short, jagged, etc.) remaining
fairly uniform and constant within each given species.
- The area on the outer side of the leaf where the blade and the sheath join.
It is generally much lighter in color and varies in size and shape from species
- Appendages that project from either side of the collar. They may be slender,
claw-like, long or short. In Quackgrass slender auricles clasp the stem.
- The tubular portion of the leaf which wraps around or encloses the stem.
Edges of the sheath may join, overlap or be closed. They are also rough or
smooth, cylindrical, flattened or compressed.
- The upper portion of the leaf, which is divided from the sheath by the collar
and the ligule. The length, width, type of tip, roughness or smoothness are
a few characteristics of various species.
- An underground stem that produces a new plant. Rhizomes are present or absent,
strong or weak.
- A horizontal, above ground stem that takes root at various intervals and
gives rise to new plants.
- The collection of flowering or seeding parts which are arranged in various
ways, (spike, panicle, etc.). A very important identifying feature.
- The unit of the seed head which composes the seeding parts. Properly dissected
and analyzed, it provides the most accurate method for the identification
of various species.
Other characteristics, such as growth habit and color, all help to classify
the various grasses. To make identification even more practical, it is advisable
to use a small magnifying glass. Magnification of lOx to 16x is ideal for making
tiny features more easily observed.