About Alopecurus aequalis Sobol.
Alopecurus aequalis Sobol. is a variable perennial bunchgrass. It grows in clumps of erect stems that reach 20 to approximately 70 centimeters in height. Its leaves are between 2 and 15 centimeters long, with basal leaves being the longest, while the small number of stem leaves bear long sheaths. Leaf blades are narrow, measuring roughly 1 to 8 millimeters wide. This species produces a cylindrical inflorescence a few centimeters long. Blooming anthers range in color from white to yellow to bright orange, and measure 0.5 to 0.8 millimeters long. Flowers attach to branches of the inflorescence, rather than directly to its main axis. Ecologically, Alopecurus aequalis uses C3 photosynthetic metabolism, grows best in conditions of full to partial sun, and can tolerate shallow standing water for up to two months during the growing season. One variety of this species, Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis, is a rare grass endemic to California, and is federally listed as an endangered species in the United States.
