jointed goatgrass
(Aegilops cylindrica Host)

Overview

Appearance

Aegilops cylindrica is a winter annual that can reach 4 ft. (1.2 m) in height.

Foliage

The leaves are alternate, up to 0.5 in. (1.2 cm) wide with thin hairs along the margins, sheath openings and auricles. The ligule is short and membranous.

Flowers

Flowering occurs in May to June, when the plants produce red (when mature) or straw-colored spikes. Spikes are cylindrical and contain 2-12 spikelets per spike.

Fruit

The spikelets are awned with the longest awns at the top of the spike. At maturity the seed heads break into individual segments.

Ecological Threat

Aegilops cylindrica is native to southern Europe and western Asia. This species is known to hybridize with wheat.

Resources

• Pest Fact Sheet - North American Plant Protection Organization
• Weed Field Guide - USDA Forest Service

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alberta Weed Control Act
• Arizona Noxious Weeds
• California Invasive Plant Council
• California Noxious Weeds
• Colorado Noxious Weeds
• Idaho Noxious Weeds
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
• Nevada EDRR
• Nevada Noxious Weeds
• New Mexico Noxious Weeds
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
• Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
• Oregon Noxious Weeds
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Utah Noxious Weeds - Contain
• Washington Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References