Barnyard Grass
Echinochloa crus-galli · Warm-season, Annual, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Weed Grass / Invasive / Forage
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type / Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-10, sensitive to frost (annual life cycle ends with first freeze).
About This Grass
A coarse, robust annual grass growing up to 2-4 feet tall with flattened stems, often branching at the base. Forms loose clumps with bright green to yellowish-green foliage and dense, bristly, panicle-like seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades, width 6-15mm, flat, smooth or slightly rough, pointed tips, light green, rolled in bud, prominent midvein, membranous ligule absent or very short, auricles absent.
Root System
Fibrous, moderately deep root system, fast establishment from seed, no significant rhizomes or stolons.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Tropical and temperate Asia, now widespread globally
Growth Habit
Bunch-type, erect or decumbent, spreading by seed
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun, high water requirement, thrives in moist to wet soils, poor drought tolerance in dry upland conditions, prefers rich soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Not typically maintained as turf; highly invasive in lawns, controlled by selective herbicides, pulling, or frequent low mowing.
Special Characteristics
Low wear tolerance as a weed, high seed production, rapid growth rate, highly competitive in agricultural fields and damp turf areas.
Ecological Information
Introduced weed in many regions, provides minor food source for waterfowl and upland birds, can become a serious agricultural pest in crops like rice and corn.