Sphenopholis

1. First glume 0.3–0.7 mm wide on a side (midrib to margin), about half as wide as second glume; back of upper lemmas scabrous, at least toward tip; anthers (0.5–) 0.7–1.5 mm long.

S. nitida

1. First glume less than 0.3 mm wide on a side, much less than half as wide as second glume; back of upper lemmas smooth (midnerve often slightly scabrous); anthers not over 0.5 (–0.8) mm long.

2. Larger glume not swollen or distended, ± obtuse to acute at apex.

S. intermedia

2. Larger (second) glume distinctly swollen or distended, abruptly truncate and usually shallowly 2-lobed at apex.

S. obtusata