Quackgrass

Elymus repens (L.) Gould.

(formerly Elytrygia repens (L.) Desv. ex B.D. Jackson and Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.)

Poacae (Grass Family)

▲  mature plants

▲ ▼ inflorescences

▲  portion of rhizome

Quackgrass:  (pp. 424-425, Weeds of the Great Plains; pp. 52-53, Weeds of the Northeast)

·              cool-season, creeping perennial grass more common north of here

·              blue-green color, wheat-like seedhead; 1-3' tall

·              produces few seedlings, mainly reproduces by rhizomes

·              new rhizomes initiated at 3-4 week stage of seedlings

·              can begin growth from rhizomes in very early spring   

·              can produce 50 rhizomes/plant/year, spreading about 10' diameter

·              rhizomes usually at less than 6" deep

·              rhizomes allelopathic, even dead ones