Barnyardgrass: The Controversial Annual That Wildlife Actually Loves
If you’ve ever wondered about that scrappy grass growing in wet spots around your property, you might be looking at barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli). This annual grass has quite the reputation—some folks call it a weed, while others recognize it as an important food source for wildlife. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that barnyardgrass has made itself at home across North America.
What’s in a Name?
Barnyardgrass goes by several monikers, including barnyard grass, cockspur grass, Japanese millet, and zacate de agua. The variety of common names reflects just how widespread and well-known this grass has become. You might also see it listed under older scientific names like Panicum crus-galli in some references.
Where Does Barnyardgrass Come From?
Originally hailing from tropical regions of Asia and Africa, barnyardgrass is a non-native species that has thoroughly established itself across North America. It’s considered an introduced species that reproduces naturally without human intervention in the United States, Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and beyond.
You’ll find barnyardgrass growing in virtually every state and province across North America, from Alberta to Florida and from California to Maine. This incredibly adaptable grass has truly made itself at home from coast to coast.
The Wildlife Connection
Here’s where barnyardgrass really shines: it’s a wildlife powerhouse. According to research, this humble grass provides 25% to 50% of the diet for both water birds and terrestrial birds, while also offering valuable cover. That’s no small contribution to local ecosystems! Ducks, geese, and countless songbirds rely on barnyardgrass seeds as a crucial food source.
Growing Habits and Appearance
As an annual grass, barnyardgrass completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. It’s part of the grass family (Poaceae) and has a somewhat coarse, untidy appearance that won’t win any beauty contests. However, what it lacks in ornamental appeal, it makes up for in functionality.
Wetland Wonder
Barnyardgrass has a fascinating relationship with water. Depending on where you are in North America, its wetland status varies:
- In the Caribbean, it’s an obligate wetland plant (almost always found in wetlands)
- In most other regions, it’s facultative or facultative wetland (can grow in both wet and dry areas but prefers moisture)
- This adaptability helps explain its widespread success
Should You Plant Barnyardgrass?
This is where things get interesting. While barnyardgrass isn’t typically grown intentionally in home gardens due to its weedy nature and limited aesthetic appeal, it does serve important ecological functions. If you’re managing land for wildlife, particularly waterfowl, you might consider allowing it to establish naturally in appropriate areas.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to work with barnyardgrass, here’s what you need to know:
- Soil: Thrives in moist, disturbed soils
- Water: Prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate some drought
- Climate: Grows as an annual in USDA zones 2-11
- Maintenance: Requires virtually no care once established
- Seeding: Seeds germinate best in warm, moist conditions
Consider Native Alternatives
While barnyardgrass does provide wildlife benefits, consider these native grass alternatives that offer similar ecological value:
- Wild rice (Zizania species) for wetland areas
- Native sedges (Carex species) for moist soils
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for drier areas
- Various native panic grasses (Panicum species)
The Bottom Line
Barnyardgrass is one of those plants that occupies a gray area in the gardening world. While it’s not native and doesn’t offer much in terms of ornamental value, its importance to wildlife can’t be ignored. Whether you choose to encourage it, tolerate it, or remove it in favor of native alternatives depends on your specific goals and management philosophy.
If you’re focused on supporting local ecosystems with native plants, there are better choices. But if you’re managing wetland areas specifically for waterfowl or dealing with disturbed soils where this grass has already established, understanding its role in the ecosystem can help you make informed decisions about your landscape.
