22/09/2026
Another invasive to watch for!
Another late-summer hitchhiker to watch for: jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica). 🌾🥾
Jointed goatgrass is an invasive grass found across much of North America. Its narrow, cylindrical seed heads are made up of distinctive segments or “joints.” As the plant matures, these seed heads break apart, allowing the individual seed-containing segments to disperse.
Those seeds are equipped with stiff awns that can catch on clothing, footwear, animal fur, and equipment. Seeds can also be moved in soil or mud on vehicles and machinery, making human activity an important pathway for this invasive grass to reach new places.
Jointed goatgrass grows along roadsides, disturbed areas, rangelands, and agricultural fields. It is particularly troublesome in winter wheat because the two grasses are closely related, making jointed goatgrass difficult to manage without also affecting the crop.
Whether you’re hiking, working outdoors, or exploring open landscapes, check your shoes, socks, pant cuffs, pets, and gear before moving to another location. Removing seeds before they hitch a ride is a simple way to help protect the next place you visit.
📸 [Image Credit: Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org]
