Sporobolus ×townsendii (H.Groves & J.Groves) P.M.Peterson & Saarela

Stiff perennials 10–50 cm, with fleshy rhizomes forming dense clumps or swards. Leaf-sheath glabrous. Ligule 1–2 mm, densely ciliate. Leaf-blade 5–35 cm × 4–10 mm, persistent or caducous, coriaceous, flat or inrolled, glabrous, adaxially ribbed, narrowed to fine hard tip. Culm erect, 3–8 mm diam. near base including closely ensheathing leaves. Panicle 8–30 cm, erect, contracted; spikes 2–5–(14), 4–15–(18) cm; rachis of each spike glabrous, tipped by bristle 1.5–3.5 cm. Spikelets 10–20 mm, narrowly oblong, 1-flowered, minutely hairy. Glumes unequal, oblong-lanceolate, acute, finely hairy; lower ⅔-¾ length of upper and much narrower, 1-nerved, upper = spikelet, 1–3-nerved. Lemma < upper glume, 1–3-nerved, oblong-lanceolate, minutely hairy. Palea ≥ lemma, hyaline, glabrous. Anthers 5–8 mm, very narrow, shrivelled, indehiscent, with sterile pollen. Caryopsis not developed.

[From: Edgar and Connor (2000) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 5 (second printing). as Spartina ×townsendii H.Groves & J.Groves]