VENTENATA

(Ventenata dubia)

COMMON NAMES:

North Africa Grass or Wiregrass

DESCRIPTION:

Ventenata is a winter annual species that can grow to be 6-18" tall. It germinates late in the fall, has irregularly long ligules, and shallow roots. It has a black node, a silvery-green appearance before turning tan, and wiry stems. In the late summer, it’s panicles open and awns become bent.

KEY FEATURES:

A wiry appearance, black node, bent awns, long ligules, and a silvery-green color due to the silica content.

HABITAT:

Rangeland and pastures, meadow and sagebrush communities.

CONTROL:

Applying herbicides in the fall may be most effective. In smaller patches, it can be hand-pulled and removed prior to seed production. For more information contact our SCWP office.