UWRF University of Wisconsin-River Falls Upper Midwest Forages

Quackgrass

Scientific name:Elymus repens
Cultivars:None-typically a weed
Origin:Europe
Growth Habit:Sod type, very aggresive
Life Cycle:Perennial
 
Use
 
Production:
  • Highly invasive weed but provides nutritive value when grazed.
  • Early spring to September/October
    • Nutritive Value:Well managed can provide adequate nutritive value.
     
    Identification
     
    Seed Head:Spike (loose to compact)
    Seed:Seeds are formed in flattened spikelets along the seed head
    Shoot:Erect, round stems. Will produce rhizomes up to 2 ft long
    Leaf:
  • Leaves are flat and rolled at base (resemble wheat).
  • Waxy coating,
    • Auricles:Narrow, clasp to stem, white to purple in color.
    Ligule:Very small; membranous
     
    Adaptation
     
    Soil:Grows as weed in disturbed soils. Prefers finer soil but had been seen in sandy soils
    pH:6.5-8.0 - has been seen in acidic soils, but not frequently.
    Moisture:Moderate, fairly drought tolerant.
    Temperature:Temperate. Cannot tolerate constant shade.
    Other:Can withstand high quantities of salt.
     
    Establishment - Management
     
    Seeding rate:Spreads via rhizomes. Weedy species, not planted. Many seeds from plants are sterile.
    Seed cost:N/A
    Planting date:N/A
    Planting depth:N/A
    Frost seeding:N/A
    Fertilization:N/A
    Grazing:
  • Horses and cattle will eat quackgrass over other weeds.
  • Pigs will burrow for rhizomes.
    • Hay:Can travel as a weed in hay.
     
    Notes
  • Use to stabilize erodible soils
    •  
    Photos


    Quackgrass raceme inflorescence (resembles that of ryegrass)


    Auricles visible at collar region