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Aegilops crassa: Persian Goatgrass

Aegilops crassa, commonly known as Persian goatgrass, is an annual graminoid plant appreciated for its ornamental qualities.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aegilops crassa Boiss.
• Common Name: Persian goatgrass
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Synonyms: Triticum crassum (Boiss.) Aitch. & Hensl., Triticum syriacum Bowden
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Variety: Aegilops crassa var. rubiginosa Popova

Distribution and Habitat

• Aegilops crassa is native to the Middle East and Central Asia.
• It has also been reported in Afghanistan, Armenia, and Antarctica, as well as in the New York Metropolitan area.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Aegilops crassa is an annual plant.
• It is a graminoid, resembling grass in its growth habit.
• Culms (stems) are typically 30-50 cm tall, erect, and slightly geniculate (bent at the nodes).
• The plant produces few to many tillers (stems arising from the base).
• Sheaths are ciliate (fringed with hairs) near the throat.
• Blades are 8-25 cm long.

Genetic Information

• Aegilops crassa contains a gene coding for RuBisCO large subunit (rbcL), an enzyme involved in carbon fixation during photosynthesis.

Ecological Role

• It is genetically related to jointed goatgrass and winter wheat, which is a relevant factor in some agricultural contexts.
• Some sources indicate limited herbicide activity against Persian darnel.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Provides information and images of Aegilops crassa.
• British Database of World Flora and Fauna: Contains taxonomic information about Aegilops crassa.
• Discover Life: Offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aegilops crassa.
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF): Features a photo page for Aegilops crassa.