Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica)
ODA rating: B
Description
Winter annual with deep blue-green foliage. Tends to lie flat prior to seed formation. Spikelets awned, the longest awns at the top of the spike. Seed heads break into individual segments at maturity.
Impacts
Jointed goatgrass grows best in cultivated fields, but it can also invade grasslands. It thrives in wheat fields, rangelands, roadsides, and fencerows. Ten jointed goatgrass plants per square yard can reduce cereal crop yields by 30 to 50%. Jointed goatgrass seed is a contaminant in cereal grain seed crops where it alters their milling characteristics and reduces the value of the grain.
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Images courtesy of Rich Old, XID Services
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If images are downloaded and used from the ODA web site please be sure to credit the photographer.
Introduction
Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) is a native of southern Europe and western Asia. It is so closely related to wheat that both species can interbreed. Has been spread as a contaminate in equipment and seed.
Distribution in Oregon
The first reported site in Oregon was 1956 in Baker County.
Map legend
Yellow: limited distribution in county
Red: abundant in county
Grey: not known to be present in county
Biological controls
No approved biological control agent is available.
Informational Links
WeedMapper
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