​​The bay grass key was designed to allow you to identify most species of bay grasses found in Maryland. Although bay grasses are notoriously difficult to identify using standard taxonomic keys, the flexible format of the Internet allows us to combine detailed pictures, simple line drawings and text messages in a stepwise sequence that makes identifying bay grasses simple. You may find it useful to have a clear metric ruler with millimeters marked, a magnifying glass, and a Ziploc plastic bag to help you in the process of identifying your plant.

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​	​If you already know the identity of a particular bay grass use the drop down boxes below.

Leaf Arrangement

Read directions before getting started

Look at the way that the leaves are arranged on the stem of your sample. Look in several places to find the most common type of attachment. Don’t look at the leaves where the stem divides into two, as this will often be different than the rest of the plant. Click on the selection that seems most appropriate.

Bay Grass Directions

The key consists of a series of choices based on descriptive statements. To use this key, start at the first page and read the four statements pertaining to leaf arrangement. Decide which statement best describes the bay grass you have collected and click on your choice. This will take you to the next pair of statements. Repeat the procedure until the bay grass in question is identified. You can then click on the name and additional information concerning the identification, distribution, ecological significance, similar species, and reproductive cycle of the bay grass will be provided. You will also be able to view pictures of the given species and print a fact sheet guide for use in the field. Note: the number of choices at each step of the key varies depending on different characteristics that exist among bay grasses in Maryland.

If you reach a point in the selection of descriptive statements where neither of the statements apply, work your way back through the preceding pairs using the “back a level” link at the bottom of each page. You can also get back to the beginning of the key at any time by using the "Bay Grass Identification" link in the navigation toolbar at the bottom of each page.

For some specimens, measurements and magnification may be necessary to make a decision between two choices.

After you have made an identification you can return to the first page of the key to identify additional bay grasses.​​​