Barnyard grass - Echinochloa crus-galli (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Barnyard grass

Also known as: Japanese millet, Water grass, Billion dollar grass, Elaeocarpus eumundi, Summergrass

Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is a type of wild grass that's indigenous to tropical parts of Asia. It is a destructive weed. This is because it reduces crop yields by removing most of the soil nitrogen. A dense growth of this weed can even make it difficult to mechanically harvest crops.

Scientific classification

Species

Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Grass

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.8 m

Plant Height

Green, Yellow, Red, Brown

Flower Color

Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Barnyard grass

Distribution of Barnyard grass

Distribution Map

Barnyard grass is a plant with a widespread presence, native to various regions across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. This species has been introduced to parts of North and South America, as well as Oceania. In its introduced range, including large areas of the Americas and parts of Africa and Asia, barnyard grass is sometimes thought to be a hardy competitor in local flora and may have an impact on ecosystems.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Ditches roadsides, waste places, wet places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Toxicity

Poisoning from barnyard grass occurs by consuming leaves and grains with high nitrogen. Though not widely toxic, barnyard grass can accumulate harmful nitrates. Symptoms include bluish skin, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fast pulse, dizziness, weakness, coma, and convulsions. Infants under four months old are at the highest risk for severe illness.

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Weed Control

Barnyard grass is a tall, quick-growing weed grass that occurs throughout the continental United States and southern Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Its habitats include wet places in fields, croplands, and roadsides. It is on the state invasive species lists in Kentucky, Alaska, and Oregon. The plant is a destructive weed of many crops, reducing yields and causing forage crops to fail by removing most nitrogen from the soil. Its high levels of nitrates can poison livestock that eat it. To eliminate growth, young plants can easily be hand-pulled out of the ground, with hoeing, mowing, and herbicides effective alternatives.

How to Control It

The best season to remove barnyard grass is during late spring or early summer. This weed needs to be removed before it reaches its flowering stage as it becomes harder and more resilient once it begins to produce seeds.

Hand-pulling: Using gloves, grasp the base of barnyard grass firmly and pull upward with a slight twisting motion. Be sure to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. This method is best for small infestations.
Soil solarization: This method involves covering the barnyard grass-infested ground with a clear plastic tarp during the hottest part of the summer. The heat from the sun will penetrate the soil and kill the weed seeds. First, water the area thoroughly, then place the plastic over the area securing the edges with rocks or soil. Leave the plastic in place for at least six weeks.
Mowing: Regular mowing can be effective in controlling barnyard grass, especially before it flowers. This method lowers the chance of seeds forming and spreading. Be sure to keep your mower at a low setting to clip off the weed close to the ground.
Corn Gluten Meal: You can use an organic pre-emergent herbicide like corn gluten meal. To apply, spread the meal over the infested area in the early spring before weed seeds germinate. The corn gluten meal will inhibit the root development of germinating seeds.
Mulching: Covering your garden with mulch can smother barnyard grass plants and prevent light from reaching the seeds, inhibiting germination. Lay down several inches of organic mulch like straw or shredded bark around desired plants. The mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes over time.

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Care Guide for Barnyard grass

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Barnyard grass thrives in moist environments, preferring consistent moisture while tolerating periodic droughts. Weekly watering supports its growth. This annual grass flourishes outdoors during the growing season, aligning its water needs with its life cycle.

Propagation: To propagate barnyard grass, sow seeds in Spring. Monitor for new growth as an indicator of success. Ensure the soil remains moist during germination, and provide sufficient sunlight for optimal development.

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Images of Barnyard grass

Distribution of Barnyard grass

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Barnyard grass

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