Identification and Reproduction

Identification: 

• North African grass is an annual grass that grows between 10 to 45 cm tall. 
• Stems are long, thin, branching and wiry. 
• Leaf blades appear rolled in and are narrow, with long ligules.
• This plant has reddish-black nodes between May and June.
• Inflorescence are open, slender and branches bear spikelets at the ends of stems. The upper flower has an extended wavy and sometimes bent awn about 1.5 cm long.

Reproduction: 

• Reproduces only by seed. 
• It produces from 15 to 50 seeds per plant.
• Long seed awns allow for attachment onto fur and objects. 

• Seeds are dispersed by livestock, farm equipment, vehicles and contaminated hay and grass seed mixtures. 

Habitat & Ecology

• Invades perennial grasslands, rangelands, hay fields, roadsides, railways, riparian corridors and other disturbed sites. 
• Typically grows in clay and clay-loam soils that are shallow and rocky. 
• Currently, it is only found in Metro Vancouver region. 

Impacts

Social: 

• Reduces available forage opportunities for livestock. 
• Decreased hay, Kentucky bluegrass, alfalfa, winter wheat production. It has even reduced yields by nearly 50-75% within several years. 
• North African grass is unpalatable to livestock. 

Ecological: 

• Since this plant has a shallow root system it increases erosion. 
• Displaces native vegetation and changes the plant community. These changes result in a change in insect abundance, resulting in foraging loss. 

Management

Prevention is a high priority for this species. 

• Learn to identify this plant and report any sightings. 
• Maintain a diverse and healthy stand of perennial plant species to reduce the introduction of North African grass. 
• Purchase and plant certified, clean seed mixtures. 
• Be cautious of imported grass seed mixtures, be sure to check seed labels.
• Clean clothing, pets, equipment and vehicles before leaving infested sites. 

Mechanical/Manual Control: 

• These plants can be hand-pulled as they grow from shallow roots. It is feasible for small patches but it can still be labour intensive. 
• Mowing is only recommended prior to seed set and before soils dry out. 

Resources

Download BC's Invasive Species Alert for North African grass here. 

Header photo (Matt Lavin).