Schedonnardus paniculatus

Family: Poaceae
Common Name: tumblegrass
Symbol: SCPA
Description: Panicles 5-50 cm, rachises becoming curved; branches 2-8(16) cm. Lower glumes 1.5-3 mm; upper glumes 1.5-4(5.5) mm; lemmas 3-5 mm; anthers 0.7-1.4 mm. Caryopses 2.5-3.5 mm. 2n = 20, 30. Schedonnardus paniculatus is frequently found in disturbed areas. At maturity, the panicle breaks at the base and functions as a tumbleweed for seed dispersal. It is often a conspicuous feature of deserted towns in films of the American West.