Knotroot bristlegrass
Setaria geniculata
Poaceae
Description
Erect or spreading stems grow from a bent, knee-like base. The underground rootstock is short and knotty. Blades and stems often have a purplish tinge. The blades are straight, flat and not twisted. They are long and pointed at the tip, tapering toward the base. The seed head is erect, 1 to 3 inches long, 1/4 inch wide, rounded at the top, and greenish yellow or purple in color. There are five or more bristles below each egg-shaped spikelet. Yellow bristlegrass has the same general appearance except that it is an annual with twisted leaves and no rootstock knots.)
Knotroot bristlegrass is a perennial, warm-season, native - 12 to 36 inches tall.
Fair grazing for both livestock and wildlife.
Habitat
Grows on open ground in cultivated soil and moist places, especially in pastures and along roadsides.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses
