Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Jointed Goat Grass

Aegilops cylindrical

Jointed Goat Grass is winter annual grass native to Europe. It was introduced to the United States in the 1800's as a contaminant of wheat, the first population found in Canada was in 2006 near port Colborn ON.

Winter wheat is vulnerable to Jointed Goat Grass because both germinate at the same time and develop at the same rate. There is also potential for hybridization which produce fertile offspring but fertility rates are low.

Jointed Goat Grass prefers dry open habitats and is most commonly found in winter wheat fields but also infests rangeland adjacent to wheat-growing areas. Its also found along fence lines and roadsides.

Stems grow 35-75 cm tall, leaves are alternate 2-5 mm wide and 3-15 cm in length. The flowers (florets) are tiny and are found on spiklets.

Jointed Goat Grass flowers

Information provided by Alberta Invasive Plant Council

Resources

2011 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

2010 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

Alberta Invasive Plant Council Fact Sheet

Back to Terrestrial Invasive Species List

Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Jointed Goat Grass

Jointed Goat Grass flowers

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