Rye Grass Identification

A field of rye grass.

Ryegrass identification may be essential for healthy lawns and fields. Some types of ryegrass respond differently to herbicide treatments than others, and some rye grasses are far more desirable for lawns than others. Ryegrass identification will help you find the right grass for your yard and eliminate the wrong grasses.

Features

Rye grass identification begins in the early stages of growth, when grasses are 2 weeks old. The leaf blade will vary in width depending upon type. Narrow blades, 2 mm wide or less, are identifying features of perennial rye grass. Wider blades may indicate annual rye grass. Rye grass is made up of three distinguishing features: awns, spikelets and glumes. Spikelets are thin, sharp projections growing in an upward angle from the blade of grass; glumes are the bushy, soft leaflets which grow in an upward angle from the grass. When spikelets and glumes are both present, the spikelet will grow directly next to the soft glume. The awns are the softy, hairy projections growing on the glumes. Perennial rye grass lacks awns and spikelets, according to the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture.

Types

Perennial and annual are the two main types of rye grass. Annual rye grass appears most commonly in warm regions, and it is used to overseed grass lawns. Perennial rye grass is used in the northern parts of the United States as part of lawn grass mixtures. Annual rye grass is often detrimental to wheat fields and is treated with herbicides for safe removal.

Annual Ryegrass

Annual rye grass, lolium multiflorum, grows in cool, sunny areas. Annual rye grass has been called Italian rye grass and wintergrass because of its association with cooler weather. Other than being used to provide quick color and to overseed lawns, annual rye grass is not used as a permanent lawn grass because it wilts in spring and summer. Annual rye grass has shiny sheen and grows in a lime green color, according to University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Annual rye grass grows up to 3 feet in height and the stems may appear slightly red at the base. The blades grow in a slightly rolled or circular pattern, 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch wide.

Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial rye grass, lolium perenne, is used in meadows, pastures and lawns. The grass grows in a pale green color, the blades 2 to 6 mm wide and 5 to 15 cm long. The grass ends in a tapering, pointed edge at the top. The blades of grass have ridged upper surfaces, with smooth lower surfaces. The grass is grown in cool, well-drained soil, flourishing in spring and fall, according to Oregon State University.

Cultivation

Rye grass has low tolerance to shade, growing best in sunny locations. It also has high resistance to disease and insects, which makes it a sturdy grass for lawns, pastures and fields. Because rye grass grows quickly from seeds, it may be a simple choice for property owners who want to grow turf quickly. Rye grass seed should be watered twice daily with sprinklers. The grass will be ready for mowing in six to eight weeks.

References

• Oregon State University, Perennial Ryegrass
• West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, Lolium Perenne
• Virginia Tech Agriculture and Life Sciences,Identification and Control of Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) in No-Till Corn in Virginia
• University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Annual ryegrass --- Lolium multiflorum
• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Ryegrass Identification Keys

Resources

• Lawn Care, Planting a Rye Grass Lawn