perennial ryegrass
Lolium perenne                                       

Identifying Characteristics:

Seed:  rachilla is wide at base and straight across the top; size varies from 5.0 to 8.0 mm long and 1.0 to 1.5 mm wide; tan in color

Seedling:  leaves are folded in the whorl; flat, smooth and glossy leaf blades; sheath is flattened to round; small, clasping auricles; membranous, rounded, toothed ligule

Mature Plant:  bunch-type growth habit; long, narrow spike with alternating spikelets; no awns on spikelets; one empty glume per spikelet

Method of Propagation: seed

Life Cycle: cool-season perennial

Similar Species: annual ryegrass - annual will have awned spikelets

References: Abaye, A. Ozzie. "Identification & Adaption: Common Grasses, Legumes & Non-leguminous Forbs of the Eastern United States."
Moore, Kenneth J. “Compendium of Common Forages.” From “Forages: An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture.”