smooth brome, Bromus inermis

Grass flowers are occasionally worth taking a close look at. But don't touch! They're poison! At least they are if you're one of us who starts snuffling and sneezing, and if your corneas itch and start to swell so you look like you're becoming one of the dead walking. This particular one is a very common invader from Eurasia, and one of the chief culprits. It's also a great turf grass. Smooth brome now grows in every state and province except FL, HI, and MS, and on GL and SPM. Ives Fen Preserve, Lenawee Co MI, 6/16/14.