Edge/ Barnyard Grass

COMMON NAME: Barnyard-Grass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Common Wildmillet, Lockspur Grass, Watergrass

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinochloa crusgalli

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Introduced from Europe and Eastern Asia

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 3 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Mid July to mid September, mostly in August

FRUITING TIME: Mid July to mid September; Old fruit persist into October

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout the United States ~ Statewide in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Spikes 10 inches long, in clusters on the stem, one long awn (slender, bristle like terminal process) ~ Seeds smooth, large

GENERAL INFORMATION: Plants in this genus Echinochloa are commonly known as Wildmillets.  This is a cosmopolitan grass found throughout the United States in a variety of habitats.  It grows in upland areas as well as in low, wet places, but its greatest abundance is near water—especially around mud flats from which water has receded early in the growing season.  This species crusgalli is found nearly everywhere in the United States. The smooth, moderately large seeds of this grass are an important food for ducks and other birds.  A practice advocated by some in waterfowl management is seeding wildmillet onto moist mud flats over which water can be brought in the fall;. The seeds of Barnyard-Grass can be ground into a meal for human consumption. Another grass in this genus Echinochloa muricta is often mixed with and confused with Barnyard-Grass.  The muricta species is native to the USA.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.