Also known as: Creeping wheat grass, Dog's grass, Scutch, Quitchgrass
Quack grass (Elymus repens) spreads quickly using creeping rhizomes. This has led to its use as a forage crop and erosion control plant in many places outside its native habitat. In some countries, including the USA, it has proved to spread too quickly, and is now classed as an invasive that crowds out native species.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Grass
Plant Type
Summer
Bloom Time
Green
Leaf Color
8 mm to 1.5 cm
Flower Size
Green, Yellow
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Deciduous
Leaf type
5 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
On This Page
Images
Distribution
Weed Control
Care Guide
FAQs
Images of Quack grass
Distribution of Quack grass
Distribution Map
Quack grass is native to major regions in the northern hemisphere including Europe and Northern Asia. Its range has expanded, and it is now introduced in parts of South America, North America, Central America, and East Asia, as well as some Pacific territories.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Gardens, Fields, Hedgerows and meadows
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Weed Control
Elymus repens is a perennial grass commonly found in temperate areas of the Northern hemisphere. It is considered a serious agricultural and horticultural weed in many countries.
How to Control It
When it comes to quack grass management, it is best to combine mechanical and cultural control.
Cultural control - provide your crops with well-prepared soil, plant the seeds at optimal depth, and leave as little space as possible between the rows to increase the competitiveness of crops and help them overpower the weed. This method can decrease the growth of quack grass by a half.
Mechanical control - considering that rhizome production is most intensive after crop harvest, when quack grass has little competition, soil cultivation at this time can significantly suppress the growth of this plant.
No-till farming is very prone to problems with quack grass and other weeds, so most commonly herbicides are used for their management. If you opt for chemical control, consult an agricultural expert to pick the best active substance for your geographical region.
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Care Guide for Quack grass
Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
5 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water:
Quack grass thrives in moderate moisture conditions and is resilient in water retention. Weekly watering supports its growth, especially during active phases. As an herbaceous perennial, it flourishes outdoors, benefiting from natural precipitation cycles that complement its hydration needs.
Fertilize:
For optimal growth, quack grass benefits from a 2-4 inch layer of organic amendments like mulch or compost applied annually in early spring. This enhances root development and soil health. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excess foliage. Adjust application during growth phases and ensure even distribution to avoid rot and pests.
Pruning:
Prune quack grass in early spring to control its invasive spread and encourage healthy growth. Cut shoots to the base, removing dead foliage. Regular pruning, along with weeding and potential root barriers, helps manage quack grass’s aggressive growth in garden spaces.
Propagation:
Quack grass is a vigorous perennial with robust rhizomatous growth, propagated mainly through rhizome division. For optimal growth, plant rhizome sections in well-prepared soil with sufficient moisture and spacing. Careful site selection is crucial to prevent quack grass from becoming invasive.
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