Description

Barnyardgrass is a summer annual which has tillers that lie flat and form secondary roots resulting in a mat formation. The leaves of barnyardgrass are rolled in the bud and contain neither a ligule nor auricles; the sheath is open but compressed. The mid-vein is thick and keeled; roots are fibrous. Barnyardgrass spreads by seeds which germinate in late spring and early summer. The seedhead is a coarsely branched green to purplish panicle with spiked awns. Barnyardgrass is found throughout North America and Mexico.

Distribution

Germination Dates

5: June 6: May-June

7: May-June 8: April-May 9: April-May

Cultural Practices

Barnyardgrass is found in moist soils; especially soils high in nutrients. Mow low to prevent the development of the seedhead. Physical removal can be done both in turf and landscape plantings.

Herbicide Use

Make a pre-emergence herbicide application prior to the seed germination. For post-emergent control use a product containing MSMA.

Look Alikes