Weed of the Week

5-19-08

Goosegrass, Eleusine indica

                

Photo credits: Photos courtesy of the Virginia Tech Weed Guide

 Characteristics:

Family: Poaceae (Grass family)

Origin: Europe

Description:

• Spreading annual

• Spreads from a central base

• Erupts from rhizomes (long roots) as a spread mechanism

Stems:

• Flattened stems

Flowers:

• Inflorescence at the terminate of the stem

• 2-3 finger-like stout spikes

Leaves:

• Blades flat or folded

Fruit:

• Small clasping seeds on grass spike

Additional information:

Common in warmer parts of the West.  Most common in lawns and waste areas it is commonly confused with Crabgrass.

---

Return to Weed of the Week Page

Return to Park Operations Page

---