Medusahead

Medusahead

Taeniatherum caput-medusae L.

Poaceae (Grass Family)

▲ ▼ mature flowering plants

▲ mature plant

▲ ▼ inflorescences

▲ inflorescence close-up

▲ ▼ ligule and collar region

Medusahead:

Small, narrow-leaved annual grass with long-awned spike inflorescence
Grows 6-18" tall, with medium green leaves
Spike inflorescence has stiff, long awns or bristles that can be 0.5-1.5 inches long and can irritate mouths of livestock
Has little forage value
Entire inflorescence falls entire, releasing seeds from within florets--does not break apart as foxtail barley, harestail barley or little barley would
Not found in Missouri or Midwest, yet, but is a serious pest further west in drier areas; potential is good for it to survive here, if it moves into this area