Jointed Goatgrass

Information

Aegilops cylindrica - Poaceae Family

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Identification

Flowers: The plant produces red (when mature) or straw-colored spikes. Spikes are cylindrical and contain 2-12 spikelets per spike.
Seeds: The spikelets are awned with the longest awns at the top of the spike. At maturity the seed heads break into individual segments. The plant spreads solely by seed.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate, up to 0.5 inches wide with thin hairs along the margins. The connection to the plant stem is short and membranous.
Flowering Time: May to June
Life cycle: Jointed Goatgrass flowers in early to mid-June. Some jointed Goatgrass seeds germinate early and the remainder of the seeds may persist in the soil for years. Seeds usually germinate from early August - October but they can also germinate in late spring and still mature if temperatures are low enough.

Impacts

Jointed Goatgrass readily invades wheat fields where, once established, it is extremely difficult to control.
Jointed Goatgrass can hybridize with winter wheat, and an infestation can rapidly reduce crop yields by 30-50%.
Sharp barbs can injure livestock, wildlife, and humans.

Most effective control methods

Because of its genetic similarity to winter wheat, Jointed Goatgrass is extremely difficult to control without damaging desirable plants, however, some selective herbicides can be effective. Follow advertised directions and warnings prior to herbicide use.
Small infestations can be controlled through tilling or hand-pulling.
There are currently no biological control agents available.
Crop rotations can be effective in controlling Jointed Goatgrass.

Jointed goatgrass compared to wheat. Wheat is pictured on the left, jointed goatgrass is on the right.

Jointed goatgrass: flowers

Jointed goatgrass: infestation

Jointed goatgrass: stem and foliage

Jointed goatgrass: seedlings

Jointed goatgrass: infestation

Jointed goatgrass: seeds

Jointed goatgrass