Persian Goatgrass: Why This Mediterranean Grass Isn’t Right for Your Garden
If you’ve stumbled across Persian goatgrass (Aegilops crassa) in your research, you might be wondering whether this annual grass deserves a spot in your landscape. The short answer? Probably not. While this Mediterranean native has made itself at home in parts of North America, it’s more of a troublemaker than a garden gem.
What Exactly Is Persian Goatgrass?
Persian goatgrass is an annual grass that belongs to the same family as wheat and other cereal grains. Originally from the Mediterranean region, Middle East, and parts of Asia, this graminoid (that’s fancy talk for grass-like plant) has been making uninvited appearances across North America. It’s currently established in New York, though it may be lurking in other states as well.
As a non-native species, Persian goatgrass has proven it can reproduce and spread without any help from humans – a trait that sounds helpful until you realize it means this grass can quickly become a nuisance.
Where You’ll Find It
In the United States, Persian goatgrass has been documented in New York, where it grows in various habitats from disturbed soils to agricultural areas. Its adaptability is both impressive and concerning, as it can establish itself in locations where native plants would naturally thrive.
The Not-So-Pretty Truth About Persian Goatgrass
Let’s be honest – Persian goatgrass isn’t winning any beauty contests. This annual grass lacks the ornamental appeal that makes other grasses garden-worthy. It produces typical grass-like seed heads and has a rather weedy appearance that’s more vacant lot than designed landscape.
More importantly, this grass is considered an agricultural weed in many regions. It can interfere with crop production and has the potential to become invasive in natural areas, crowding out beneficial native plants that wildlife depends on.
Growing Conditions (If You Must Know)
Persian goatgrass is frustratingly easy to grow, which is part of the problem. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 and adapts to various soil types. It prefers full sun and becomes quite drought tolerant once established. The grass readily self-sows, meaning once it’s in your garden, it’s likely to return year after year without invitation.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
Unfortunately, Persian goatgrass offers minimal benefits to pollinators or wildlife. As a wind-pollinated grass, it doesn’t provide the nectar and pollen that bees and butterflies need. Native birds and other wildlife also don’t depend on this non-native species for food or habitat.
Why You Should Skip This Grass
Here’s why Persian goatgrass doesn’t belong in your garden:
- It’s considered an agricultural weed
- It has invasive tendencies and can spread aggressively
- It provides little to no benefit for native wildlife
- It lacks ornamental value
- It can outcompete beneficial native plants
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of taking a chance on Persian goatgrass, consider these native grass alternatives that will actually enhance your garden and support local ecosystems:
- Little bluestem – Beautiful fall color and excellent wildlife habitat
- Buffalo grass – Low-maintenance lawn alternative in appropriate regions
- Prairie dropseed – Delicate texture with a lovely fragrance
- Switchgrass – Tall, architectural presence with great winter interest
The Bottom Line
While Persian goatgrass might be easy to grow, easy isn’t always better when it comes to gardening. This non-native grass brings more problems than benefits to your landscape. Instead of rolling the dice on a potentially invasive species, invest in native grasses that will reward you with beauty, support local wildlife, and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.
Remember, every plant choice you make is a vote for the kind of environment you want to create. Make it count by choosing plants that give back to nature rather than taking from it.
