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By Chelsea Schumaker
This is cheatgrass, an invasive weed that is active now and drops seeds in early summer.
If you see this weed on trails, in parks, or your own yard, please pull it! It is easily identified by the droopy, brush-like seedheads, and leaves that feel velvety to the touch.
Cheatgrass:
1. Is highly flammable! The presence of cheatgrass DOUBLES the risk of wildfire on a given property. It, along with other invasive grasses, has contributed to $138 billion annually in lost property and economic damages.
2. Can cause health problems for pets. Cats and dogs can inhale the seed pods, or get them lodged in their paws, ears or even eyes.
3. Ruins lawns. Cheatgrass seeds can remain viable for up to 5 years, and once established, it can be very hard to eliminate entirely, making it an issue year after year once it takes hold.
The good news? Because it is non-native, the roots are very shallow - this weed pulls up very easily! Once you spot your first plant, you'll start noticing it everywhere. The seeds will finish maturing by the end of June.
This is cheatgrass, an invasive weed that is active now and drops seeds in early summer.
If you see this weed on trails, in parks, or your own yard, please pull it! It is easily identified by the droopy, brush-like seedheads, and leaves that feel velvety to the touch.
Cheatgrass:
1. Is highly flammable! The presence of cheatgrass DOUBLES the risk of wildfire on a given property. It, along with other invasive grasses, has contributed to $138 billion annually in lost property and economic damages.
2. Can cause health problems for pets. Cats and dogs can inhale the seed pods, or get them lodged in their paws, ears or even eyes.
3. Ruins lawns. Cheatgrass seeds can remain viable for up to 5 years, and once established, it can be very hard to eliminate entirely, making it an issue year after year once it takes hold.
The good news? Because it is non-native, the roots are very shallow - this weed pulls up very easily! Once you spot your first plant, you'll start noticing it everywhere. The seeds will finish maturing by the end of June.
Let's work together to pull as many of these invasive weeds between now and end of June as possible, before the seeds are viable. Thank you for reading, and thank you in advance to all who decide to help pull up cheatgrass!