Aristida rhizomophora Swallen

Florida Threeawn

Natural range:  Eastern peninsular Florida

Habitat:  Wet pinewoods

Florida status:  Native, endemic

Recognition:  Has well developed rhizome and also forms dense tufts.  In addition to the normal "Aristida" three awns, there is a 4th short awn.  The central awn longer than the lateral ones.  Central awn > 25 mm, lateral awns > 20 mm; awns often contorted.   Both glumes awned, the upper glume (with awn) > (3-)7 mm.  Coarse bluish-gray leaves often curly.