Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) A.Gray
A common grass with unnecessarily small spikelets. The inflorescences are partially, and sometimes entirely, hidden within the subtending leaf. Distinguished from similar Sporobolus by having open panicles (at least, when the panicles are exserted!) and primary branches that are not reflexed at base, and do not leave behind sharp retrorse points after they fall from the central axis (unlike Sporobolus flexuosus).
An inflorescence near Radium Springs, Doña Ana County, New Mexico, 18 Sep 2005.
A primary branch of the inflorescence near Radium Springs, 18 Sep 2005.
Inflorescences, hidden entirely in the subtending leaves, at Sevilleta NWR, Socorro County, New Mexico, 18 Sep 2007.
Plant habit with hidden inflorescences, Sevilleta NWR, 18 Sep 2007.