1. Leaf sheaths (at least the lower ones) ± rough-hairy (very rarely smooth); spikelets each with 2 awns (one on sterile lemma, one on second [larger] glume).
E. walteri
1. Leaf sheaths smooth, essentially glabrous; spikelets usually with usually 1 awn (on sterile lemma, the second glume ± acuminate, rarely short-awned) or without awn.
2. Polished body of fertile lemma tapered into the firm tip without sharp demarcation or pubescence; stiff bristles of second glume and sterile lemma often with pustulate bases.
E. muricata
2. Polished body of fertile lemma sharply demarcated from withered green tip by a fringe of minute pubescence [20×] in a ± straight line on the shiny part; stiff bristles of second glume and sterile lemma seldom with pustulate bases.
3. Inflorescences with branches clearly visible throughout; sterile lemma awned or not.
E. crusgalli
3. Inflorescences with lateral spikes congested, the upper ones in the inflorescence forming a ± dense elongated head, the branching not discernable; sterile lemma not awned.
E. esculenta
All species found in Echinochloa
Citation:
MICHIGAN FLORA ONLINE. A. A. Reznicek, E. G. Voss, & B. S. Walters. February 2011. University of Michigan. Web. February 21, 2019. https://michiganflora.net/genus.aspx?id=Echinochloa.