{"id":2487,"date":"2025-07-23T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T09:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/westtexasrangelands\/?p=2487"},"modified":"2025-07-22T17:31:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:31:13","slug":"beware-of-a-new-invader-in-the-concho-valley-jointed-goatgrass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/westtexasrangelands\/beware-of-a-new-invader-in-the-concho-valley-jointed-goatgrass\/","title":{"rendered":"Beware of a New Invader in the Concho Valley: Jointed Goatgrass"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>If you’ve noticed a wiry, unfamiliar grass growing along Texas roadsides\u2014especially in the Edwards Plateau\u2014you might be looking at <\/span>Jointed Goatgrass<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>Aegilops cylindrica<\/span><\/i>). This invasive cool-season annual, part of the Poaceae (Grass) family, is becoming an increasing concern for landowners, farmers, and rangeland managers across the Concho Valley region.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Is Jointed Goatgrass?<\/b><\/p>\n

Originally from the Mediterranean region, jointed goatgrass was introduced to the United States unintentionally, often hitching a ride in contaminated wheat seed. Although it shares similarities with winter wheat, this aggressive invader brings no benefit to livestock or land. In fact, cattle and other grazing animals won\u2019t touch it.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll recognize it by its jointed seed spikes that easily break apart and scatter when mature\u2014hence the name. Unfortunately, this clever reproductive feature makes it easy to spread and hard to control.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Is It a Problem?<\/b><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s not commonly found in rangeland pastures just yet, jointed goatgrass is rapidly expanding its range in Texas due to human spread and a lack of proper identification. Once introduced, it quickly takes hold in wheat fields, roadways, and other disturbed areas. It competes directly with crops and native grasses for water, sunlight, and nutrients\u2014often reducing native diversity and productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Management Tips<\/b><\/p>\n

Early detection and careful control are critical to preventing widespread infestations. If you come across jointed goatgrass:<\/span><\/p>\n