Achnatherum brandisii (Mez) Z. L. Wu

This species differs from Achnatherum pekinense in little more than its shorter awn and more westerly distribution. Further work may show that subspecific rank under A. pekinense is more appropriate. It is reputed to be poisonous to livestock.

Perennial, loosely tufted. Culms erect, 70–150 cm tall, 3–4-noded. Leaf sheaths smooth, lower longer than internodes; leaf blades usually flat, up to 40 cm, 4–10 mm wide, abaxial surface smooth, adaxial surface smooth or scabrid, apex finely acuminate; ligule truncate, up to 1 mm. Panicle open, 10–30 cm; branches usually 2 per node, laxly ascending to widely spreading at maturity, lower part bare or with spikelets to base. Spikelets 7–10 mm, pallid or green; glumes subequal, elliptic-oblong, 3-veined, midvein scabrid, apex acute or denticulate; callus obtuse, 0.3–0.5 mm; lemma narrowly lanceolate, 5.5–7.5 mm, leathery, pilose, hairs slightly longer below awn, margins overlapping and enclosing palea, apex rounded, not lobed; awn persistent, 1–1.8 cm, 1(or 2)-geniculate, column twisted, scabrid throughout. Anthers 4–5 mm, bearded at apex. Fl. and fr. Jul–Sep.

W Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan [Afghanistan, Bhutan, NW India, Nepal, Pakistan].

Forest fringes, grassy mountain slopes, riverine floodplains; 1500–3800 m.

Stipa brandisii Mez, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 17: 207. 1921; Stipa subeffusa Ohwi.