SafePlants

Goatgrass (Aegilops spp.)

Goatgrasses belong to the genus Aegilops, encompassing various species within the grass family, Poaceae. Common names include goatgrass, barbed goatgrass, and jointed goatgrass, depending on the specific species.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of goatgrass, particularly Aegilops triuncalis, have sharp-pointed seeds that can cause injury if eaten by livestock. This potential for injury should be considered for pets as well.

Considerations for Children

• Some species of goatgrass, particularly Aegilops triuncalis, have sharp-pointed seeds. Extra supervision may be needed when children are present in locations where these goatgrass species are prominent, since they can be harmed by these sharp seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aegilops spp.
• Common Names: Goatgrass, Barbed Goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis), Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica)
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Tribe: Triticeae (for Aegilops cylindrica, along with wheat and some other cereals)

Distribution and Habitat

• Aegilops species are native to Eurasia and North America.
• Aegilops triuncialis (barbed goatgrass) is native to many areas in Eastern and Mediterranean Europe.
• Aegilops cylindrica (jointed goatgrass) is found in all western states of the United States and is prevalent in major winter wheat production regions from Texas to South Dakota and eastern Montana.

Ecological Role

• Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) is considered an invasive plant that competes with crops for water and nutrients, reducing the quality and yield of wheat and other crops.
• It is estimated that jointed goatgrass is spreading at a rate of 50,000 acres per year.
• Barbed goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis) is becoming a dominant species in rangelands, grasslands, and oak woodlands.

Morphological Characteristics

• Aegilops cylindrica (jointed goatgrass) is an annual grass that can reach 4 ft (1.2 m) in height.
• Its leaves are alternate and up to 0.5 in. (1.2 cm) wide.
• Jointed goatgrass is vegetatively similar to wheat in the seed stage, with alternately arranged leaves and auricles at their base.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) can hybridize with winter wheat, reducing wheat crop yields.
• Research mentions introgression of leaf rust and stripe rust resistance from Sharon goatgrass (Aegilops sharonensis) into bread wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Resources and Further Information

• USDA APHIS PPQ Archive, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
• Colorado Natural Areas Program
• Colorado Department of Agriculture
• Field Guide for Managing Jointed Goatgrass in the Southwest, Forest Service, September 2014, Southwestern Region, TP-R3-16-29, United States
• Integrated Management of Jointed Goatgrass in the Pacific Northwest, EB2042
• NebGuide covering identification and control of jointed goatgrass in winter wheat
• University of California Livestock and Natural Resources
• Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development