Medusahead

Taeniatherum caput-medusae L.

Poaceae (Grass Family)

▲▼ mature flowering plants

▲ mature plant

▲▼ inflorescences

▲ inflorescence close-up

▲▼ ligule and collar region

Medusahead: 

·         Small, narrow-leaved annual grass with long-awned spike inflorescence

·         Grows 6-18” tall, with medium green leaves

·         Spike inflorescence has stiff, long awns or bristles that can be 0.5-1.5 inches long and can irritate mouths of livestock

·         Has little forage value

·         Entire inflorescence falls entire, releasing seeds from within florets—does not break apart as foxtail barley, harestail barley or little barley  would

·         Not found in Missouri or Midwest, yet, but is a serious pest further west in drier areas; potential is good for it to survive here, if it moves into this area