Origin:
Native to Europe and now widespread throughout the United States. Less common in the far northern states. It was introduced as a forage grass, but easily escapes cultivated areas.
Biology:
A perennial grass that forms large clumps. Reproduction is from seed, but if tillering separates the clumps and root systems they easily can spread as well.
Identification:
Mature plants are erect, grayish green, and up to 2.5 feet tall. The root system is fibrous. Leaves are up to 1/3 inch wide and 6 inches long, and they are covered with soft hairs, as are the stems and the sheaths at the base of the leaves. The veins on the sheath have a pinkish tint. Flower heads from from late spring through the summer, and are dense spikes of numerous spikelets. These too are softly hairy, have a grayish tint with a purple tinge to the spikelets. They dry to a light tan color and may be up to 6 inches long.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Velvetgrass grows best in low-maintenance areas of turf or crops. It can tolerate either drought situations or wet, poorly drained soils.
