Barnyardgrass
Return to Weeds
Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is a clump-forming summer annual commonly found on fertile, damp soil. Leaves are 1 to 2 inches wide and 4 to 8 inches long. A distinct vein in the center of leaf blades is characteristic. Plants tend to be shallow-rooted, but roots can develop at the nodes when they contact the soil. Plants are very frost susceptible.
Barnyardgrass growth habit.
Barnyardgrass growth habit.(Photo: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State
University, Bugwood.org)
Barnyardgrass inflorescence.
Barnyardgrass inflorescence.(Photo: Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Cultivate beds when plants are young.
- Apply a grass-specific post-emergent herbicide (graminicide).