Barb goatgrass, also referred to as barbed goatgrass, is a winter annual that is closely related to wheat. It is found in Northern and Coastal California up to 5000 feet (1500 m) with the potential to continue spreading. The long awns can injure livestock by becoming lodged in the mouth, eyes, or other parts of the face.
Habitat
Disturbed and undisturbed grasslands, rangelands, and oak woodlands. Can grow along roads and in hard, shallow, dry, gravely, and serpentine soils.
Seedling
Grey-green leaves with a fused sheath that is about one-half of the length of the leaf. Collar has stiff hairs that are 0.06 to 0.125 inch (1.5–3mm) long with a ligule membrane less than 0.06 inch (1.5 mm) long. Auricles are claw-like but lack lock appendages.
Mature Plant
Stems are solid when young but become hollow with age and are round in the cross section. Leaves are rigid, about 0.06 to 0.19 inch (2–4 mm) wide and more than 4 inches (10 cm) long. Sheath normally finely hairy.
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Collar Region
Auricles are 0.02 inch (0.5 mm long), rounded, and with 0.06 to 0.125 inch (1–3 mm) long hair. Ligule membrane is up to 0.02 inch (0.5 mm) long with a fringe of hairs at the top.
Flowers
Flowers from May through August. Spikes are cylindrical and reddish or purplish while immature. Spike length is 0.75 to 2.75 inches (2–6 cm) with 2 to 6 spikelets per spike. Spikelets are cylindrical to egg-shaped with 4 florets. Glume awns of upper spikelets are 1.5 to 3 inches (4–8 cm) long. There are 3 awns per glume that are 0.75 to 3 inches (2–8 cm) long. The relatively long awn length distinguishes barb goatgrass from other goatgrass species.
Reproduction
Reproduces by seed. Seed are most often dispersed by animals or humans, as their awns easily attach to fur or clothing. Seeds can survive for up to five years.
Related or Similar Plants
- Three-awn goatgrass, Aegilops neglecta
- Jointed goatgrass, Aegilops cylindrica
