perennial ryegrass
Family
PoaceaeScientific Name
Lolium perenne
Other Common Names:
Italian ryegrass
Habit
An upright grass with slim seedlings that grows in bunches
Leaves
Smooth leaves are typically 2-4mm wide, with a prominent, white midrib and keeled (boat-shaped) tip. Shiny and often lime green
Identifying Characteristics
This species is similar to Italian ryegrass. Because Italian ryegrass is a subspecies of perennial ryegrass, they can share characteristics, but perennial ryegrass typically has these characteristics (compared to Italian ryegrass): panicle-type flower (as opposed to a spike), folded vernation (as opposed to rolled), short auricles (as opposed to clasping auricles), short perennial life cycle (as opposed to annual), and a smooth stem (as opposed to scabrous)
Flower Seed Head
Typically as a panicle (though sometimes as a spike or branched spike), with 1/2-1in long spikelets and 2-3in long lemma
Seed Fruit
Small, hulled seeds
Where Found
This species can be cultivated and is therefore often found as an agricultural weed. It also can be found as a turf weed or in other well-drained environments. It is native to Europe and is found throughout North America
Leaf Hair on Upper Surface
no hairs
Leaf Arrangement
Varies:
folded in bud,
rolled in bud
Mature Leaf Width
less than 5 mm
Stem
round
Seedhead
Varies:
spike,
branched spike,
panicle
Life Cycle
perennial
Auricle
present
Ligule
membrane
Ligule Length
Varies:
less than 1 mm,
1-2 mm
Plant Type
Grass