Barnyardgrass

(Updated: Oct. 7, 2022, 7:44 a.m. By: Mike Vysocka)

Description

Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is an upright summer annual weed of turfgrass. It is found in moist, disturbed sites, marshes, and wet turf areas. Barnyardgrass can most easily be distinguished from other grasses by its seedhead, and the fact that it has no ligule.

Cultural Control

These grasses occur infrequently in North Carolina in highly maintained turf but can be common in utility turf, such as along roadsides. Maintaining a dense, healthy turf year round by proper mowing and fertilization helps prevent encroachment and weed establishment.

Species Data

  • SEEDHEAD / FLOWER
  • VERNATION TYPE
  • LIGULE TYPE
  • GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
    • summer annual weed
  • AURICLE TYPE
  • LEAF BLADE TIP SHAPE
    • sharp-pointed; edges rough, blades all in same plane
      Figure 11
  • LEAF BLADE WIDTH
    • 0.4 - 0.8 inches (10 - 20 mm) wide
  • STOLON PRESENCE
    • absent
  • RHIZOME PRESENCE
    • absent
  • COLLAR TYPE
  • SHEATH MARGIN
  • SHEATH TYPE
    • flattened; sheath occasionally has short hairs; red- to purple-tinged at base
      Figure 16, Figure 17
Barnyardgrass seedhead
Figure 1. Barnyardgrass seedhead.
Barnyardgrass seedhead
Figure 2. Barnyardgrass seedhead.
Barnyardgrass seedhead
Figure 3. Barnyardgrass seedhead.
Barnyardgrass vernation
Figure 4. Barnyardgrass vernation.
Barnyardgrass vernation
Figure 5. Barnyardgrass vernation.
Barnyardgrass vernation
Figure 6. Barnyardgrass vernation.
Barnyardgrass vernation
Figure 7. Barnyardgrass vernation.
Barnyardgrass ligule
Figure 8. Barnyardgrass ligule.
Barnyardgrass auricle
Figure 9. Barnyardgrass auricle.
Barnyardgrass auricle
Figure 10. Barnyardgrass auricle.
Barnyardgrass leaf blade tip shape
Figure 11. Barnyardgrass leaf blade tip shape.
Barnyardgrass collar
Figure 12. Barnyardgrass collar.
Barnyardgrass collar
Figure 13. Barnyardgrass collar.
Barnyardgrass sheath
Figure 14. Barnyardgrass sheath.
Barnyardgrass sheath
Figure 15. Barnyardgrass sheath.
Barnyardgrass sheath
Figure 16. Barnyardgrass sheath.
Barnyardgrass sheath.
Figure 17. Barnyardgrass sheath.

This Extension publication can also be viewed at: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/barnyardgrass