awn

An awn is a slender bristle found on some grasses, typically at the tip of a glume in a spikelet. These awns can be sharp-pointed, as seen in awn grass (Chrysopogon aciculatus), which is native to tropical Asia and Pacific Islands and known for its seeds that can penetrate clothing and wool. Some seeds with awns, like those of Danthonia penicillata, have shown improved seedling establishment compared to de-awned grains, suggesting awns may aid in orientation and self-burial. The term "awnless" refers to grasses that lack these bristles or have very short ones, such as awnless bromegrass (Bromus inermis). There are also machines called awners designed to remove awns from grain.12345