Quackgrass (Elymus repens). Photo: Elizabeth Bella, AECOM, Bugwood.org
Quackgrass (Elymus repens) is a perennial, non-native, cool-season grass.
This plant has a creeping habit and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaf blades are blue-green in color and have a rough texture. There is a clasping auricle where the base of the leaf meets the stem.
Sharp-tipped, creeping rhizomes. The seed head forms in the summer and resembles wheat.
Poor lawn maintenance practices.
Maintain healthy, dense turf that can prevent and help lawns outcompete a weed infestation.
Hand pulling or using an appropriate weeding tool to dig out a small infestation are the primary means of mechanical weed control in lawns. Hand pulling when the soil is moist makes the task easier.
Manage Weeds Without Chemicals
Herbicides for controlling perennial grass weeds are limited and usually available to lawn care companies and landscapers who are certified applicators. Small infestations can be dug out or sprayed with a non-selective herbicide (glyphosate). Reseed the area after you are certain that you have 100% kill.
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