Italian ryegrass

Family

Poaceae

Scientific Name

Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum

Other Common Names:

annual ryegrass

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Lolium perenne ssp. Italicum

Lolium perenne var. aristatum

Lolium multiflorum

Lolium perenne var. multiflorum

Habit

This clump forming grass spreads by seed and has a fibrous root system.

Leaves

Leaves are rough to touch on top side with a glossy underside, veins are prominent with smooth margins.

Identifying Characteristics

Wide collar region with narrow claw-like auricles seed head is a 4-16 in long spike.

Flower Seed Head

4-16 in long spike with alternate spikelets along the stem. Each spikelet is made up of a long awn with 10 to 20 florets.

Where Found

Across the United States this species is a problem in turf, orchards, landscapes, nurseries, and grain crops. This plant likes cool weather and can thrive in most soil types.

Leaf Hair on Upper Surface

Varies:

no hairs,

hairs from base to tip

Leaf Arrangement

rolled in bud

Mature Leaf Width

Varies:

less than 5 mm,

6 to 15 mm

Stem

round

Seedhead

multiple spikes

Root Structure

fibrous

Life Cycle

winter annual

Auricle

present

Ligule

membrane

Ligule Length

Varies:

less than 1 mm,

1-2 mm,

2-3 mm

Plant Type

Grass