The beard referred to here is the collection of fine awns which distinguish this plant from ordinary Couch (Elytrigia repens). The awns are quite fine and reach to half way or more along the next flower spikelet (lemma). This is a common grass the distribution of which thins out in Northern Scotland but it is found in most of England and Wales.

Edge of River Tyne, 3rd July 2005

Added on October 24th 2005, updated 26th December 2008, updated 29th March 2010