Spartina townsendii (cord grass): solitary inflorescence of a false spike. The total inflorescence is a compound pseudopanicle (false panicle) out of up to 10 spikes, 10- 25 cm long. The spike axis ends in 1- 2 cm long awns, the spikelets have no, the glume has a few awns. The culm with numerous nodes is upright, the plant is tufted (see also the picture by H. -H. POPPENDIECK). More about the origin and evolution of this species.