Barnyardgrass is a coarse summer annual that grows in wet, disturbed soil. It's more common in new lawns and low spots.
- Scientific name
- Echinochloa crus-galli
- Type
- Summer annual grass
- Most visible
- June–September
How to Identify Barnyardgrass
- Flattened stems, often purplish at the base
- No ligule where the blade meets the stem
- Bristly, branched seed heads
- Grows in clumps
When It Shows Up in Oklahoma Lawns
Germinates in warm weather, especially in wet areas and freshly disturbed soil.
How to Control Barnyardgrass
- Apply a pre-emergent before seeds germinate (late winter for summer annuals, early fall for winter annuals)
- Improve drainage in low spots
- Spot-treat with a selective herbicide labeled for the weed and safe for your grass type, following the label exactly
- Keep turf thick with proper mowing height, watering, and feeding so seedlings can't establish