medusahead
Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski

Overview

Appearance

Taeniatherum caput-medusa is an annual grass that is 8-24 in. (20.3-61 cm) tall and has distinct bristly seed heads and few leaves.

Foliage

Leaves are less than 0.13 in. (0.32 cm) wide. One or more stems arise from the base of the plant and can be as much as 2 ft. (0.6 m) tall. Each stem produces a single, short, spike-type seed head.

Flowers

Flowering occurs in late spring, when flower heads develop at the apex of the stems. Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer.

Fruit

The seed heads are what distinguish this plant from other annual grasses. Awns twist as they dry, hence the common name "medusahead". The longer of the two awns in each spikelet is barbed. These barbs catch on fur or clothing and spread seed.

Ecological Threat

T. caput-medusa was first collected in Oregon, in 1887. Plants invade dry, open lands with frequent disturbance such as fields and pastures. It is native to the Mediterranean.

Resources

• Fire Effects Information System - USDA Forest Service
• Element Stewardship Abstract - The Nature Conservancy

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alberta Weed Control Act
• California Invasive Plant Council
• California Noxious Weeds
• Colorado Noxious Weeds
• John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
• Montana Noxious Weeds
• Native Plant Society of Oregon, 2008
• Nevada Noxious Weeds
• Oregon Noxious Weeds
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Utah Noxious Weeds - Control
• Washington Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
• Wisconsin Noxious Weeds
• Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40
• Wyoming Noxious Weeds

References