IDENTIFICATION
Regional Noxious. Perennial grass.
Quackgrass has flat, pointed leaves that clasp the stem with claw-like
pincers. Its flowers are slender spikes that resemble wheat heads and
develop into spikelets arranged
in two long rows borne flat side to the stem. Roots are long, slender,
white rootstalks with sharp-pointed, yellowish tips.
DAMAGE
Quackgrass rapidly invades and reduces the productivity of agricultural
crops, rangelands, and pastures. It has sometimes been used to stabilize
moist, eroding soils. It is believed to produce chemicals which inhibit
the growth of other plants.
HABITAT
In British Columbia, quackgrass grows at low to mid-elevations
in fields, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed
sites. It is well adapted to moist soils in temperate climates, but
is only moderately tolerant of shade.
SPREAD
Quackgrass is common in southern parts of BC and occurs in all
agricultural regions. It is considered a threat to the fine seeds industry
and forage crops in the Peace River.
