BACKGROUND: Native to Eurasia, jointed goatgrass is a weed in rangeland, disturbed areas, fields, pastures, and along roadsides. It is drought tolerant, and is especially troublesome in winter wheat fields. Where hybridization of the two can occur. It is also a common contaminant in grain.

DESCRIPTION: A winter annual grass that grows up to 2 1/2 feet tall on hollow stems that branch at the base. Leaves have fine hairs along their margins and surfaces. Seed heads are cylindrical, jointed stacks that shatter into individual pieces when mature. Plants can produce up to 3,000 seeds each. Seeds can be viable up to 5 years.

CONTROL: Rotation cropping is an effective control. Farming equipment should be cleaned after being used in infested fields. Mowing and tilling give good control, especially prior to seed set. No selective herbicides are available for jointed goatgrass in winter wheat or wildland grasses.