Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Ventenata, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

Wirelike, 6-28 in. tall, erect and slender

Leaves

Flat, narrow leaves, 0.6-2 in. long; leaves at base of plant; ligules are membranous and 0.04-0.15 in. long

Photo of a hand holding a Ventenata plant

Flower

Relaxed, open panicle, 8-10 in. long with spikelets at the end of spreading branches holding 3 florets 0.6 in. long; at least 1 floret will have a twisted awn 0.75-1 in. long attached to the lemma

Root

Shallow fibrous roots

Other

Grows in open, disturbed areas and along roadsides; can establish on bare, dry soils; known to occur in Elko, Eureka and Washoe counties
Winter annual; high in silica, litter builds up on soil surface, similar to medusahead
Can be grazed early in the season, unpalatable to livestock as seedhead develops

Control

Hand-pulling is effective for small infestations; mowing can prevent seed production, repeated mowing may be required; burning can remove thatch, but it does not control the seedbank
Indaziflam or imazapic preemergence herbicides can be applied in the fall, preferably after the thatch layer is removed; glyphosate or rimsulfuron can be applied to actively growing plants

Learn more about the author(s)

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:


Identification and Management of Bull Thistle This fact sheet contains information on Bull thistle by identifying the plant and understanding how to manage it by learning about the habitat, impact, and more. Graham, J., Johnson. W., McAdoo, K. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-03
Identifying and Managing Sahara Mustard This fact sheet contains information on Sahara Mustard by explaining how one can identify and manage the plant. Learn more about the habitat and the impact of Sahara Mustard as an invasive species. Graham, J., Johnson, W., Powell, E. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-02
Managing Austrian Fieldcress This fact sheet contains several ways to manage Austrian fieldcress by showcasing the habitat, impact, and different methods to control the noxious perennial weed. Graham, J. and Johnson W. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-11
Managing Black Henbane This fact sheet contains information on ways to manage Black Henbane such as mechanical controls, cultural controls, biological controls, and many more. Graham, J. and Johnson, W. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-10
Managing Field Bindweed This fact sheet contains several methods to maintain Field bindweed by learning more about the habitat, impact, how to identify, mechanical control, cultural control, and many more. Graham, J., and Johnson, W. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-48

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Ventenata