DARNEL, Lolium temulentum L. 1, spike; 2, lower portion of plant; 3, spikelet (note long single outer glume on the right); 4, seed. Annual, reproducing by seeds. Roots fibrous. Stems about 1-1/2 to 2 feet (45 to 60 cm) tall. Leaf sheaths smooth, overlapping on one another. Leaf blades 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) wide, flat, slightly rough on upper surfaces. Spikes long and narrow with 2 rows of small, flattened spikelets placed edgewise to the stem. Outer glume of spikelet as long as or longer than spikelet, sharppointed. Seed 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) long, narrowly oval, brownish, usually short-bearded at the tip. Found in grain fields, pastures, roadsides, and waste places. Usually not a serious problem.