Itchgrass

Family: Poaceae
Scientific name: Rottboellia cochinchinensis
Description: Plant Form: Tall annual grass. Size: Up to 3 m tall. Stem: Cylindrical, hollow, robust, branching towards top. Swollen at leaf joins. Leaves: Bluish or yellowish green blades 15-50 cm long with a prominent pale midvein. Hairs on leaf sheath can irritate the skin. Flowers: Clusters of many on long spike 15 cm long. Spikes can be singular or in groups of 3-4. Fruit and Seeds: Cylindrical, rice-like seeds break free and fall to the ground. Habitat: Roadsides, disturbed areas, riparian areas, cropping areas, pastures. Distinguishing Features: May superficially look like Sorghum (Sorghum halepense) and several other tall grasses, but is distinguished by having stiff hairs on the leaf sheath which can irritate skin. Weed Status: Other Weed Weed Type: Environmental, Agricultural Lifeform: Grassy

Example images for this weed