Prairie grass

Bromus unioloides

Bromus unioloides, commonly known as Rescuegrass, is a cool-season annual or short-lived perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, Rescuegrass has been widely introduced and naturalized in various parts of the world, including North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Here's an informative description, including details on its appearance, identification, and management:

Appearance:

  1. Growth Form:

    • Rescuegrass typically grows in tufts or clumps and can reach heights ranging from 30 to 90 centimeters (12 to 35 inches).

  2. Leaves:

    • The leaves are flat, linear, and can have a bluish-green color. Leaf blades are often finely hairy.

  3. Inflorescence:

    • The inflorescence consists of open, drooping panicles that bear spikelets.

  4. Spikelets:

    • The spikelets contain both florets and awned lemmas (bracts at the base of the floret). Awns are slender bristles that protrude from the spikelet.

Identification:

  1. Leaf Characteristics:

    • The bluish-green, flat leaves are typical of Rescuegrass. Leaf blades can be hairy, especially near the base.

  2. Inflorescence Form:

    • The drooping panicles with an open arrangement are distinctive.

  3. Awned Spikelets:

    • Awns on the spikelets, which are bristle-like structures, are a key identifying feature.

Habitat and Distribution:

  1. Habitat:

    • Rescuegrass is adaptable to various habitats but is commonly found in disturbed areas, roadsides, fields, and pastures.

  2. Distribution:

    • Originally native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it has become naturalized in many parts of the world.

Management:

  1. Forage and Erosion Control:

    • Rescuegrass is often used for forage in pastures and can also be used for erosion control in disturbed areas.

  2. Invasive Potential:

    • While it has beneficial uses, Rescuegrass can become invasive, especially in areas where it outcompetes native vegetation.

  3. Cultural Control:

    • In agricultural settings, cultural practices such as crop rotation and proper grazing management can help control Rescuegrass.

  4. Herbicides:

    • Selective herbicides labeled for grass control in broadleaf crops can be used for targeted control in agricultural settings.

  5. Integrated Weed Management:

    • Combining cultural practices, herbicide applications, and preventive measures can constitute an integrated approach to managing Rescuegrass.