jointed goatgrass
(Aegilops cylindrica)
This species is Introduced in the United States
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.
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
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
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
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Lilianae |
| Order: Poales |
| Family: Poaceae |
| Subfamily: Pooideae |
| Tribe: Triticeae |
| Genus: Aegilops |
| Aegilops cylindrica |
Synonyms and Other Names
Other Common Names:
jointgrass
Related Scientific Names:
Aegilops cylindrica rubiginosa Merr (Synonym)
Cylindropyrum cylindricum Merr (Synonym)
Triticum cylindricum Merr (Synonym)
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.