S. cryptandrus panicles - the left two (Travis Co.) open; the rightmost forced out of its sheeth (Hays Co.).
The native Sporobolus cryptandrus is also found in Central Texas, but is less common and its much smaller spikelets (often ±1.5 mm) and pyramidal inflorescence when fully open distinguish it from other native dropseeds in the area. Flora of N. America indicates "primary [panicle] branches 0.6-6 cm, appressed, spreading, or reflexed to 130° from the rachis, without spikelets on the lower 1/8-1/4." The lower panicle is commonly within the sheeth, presumably cleistogamous.
