Invasive Annual Grass
Sheridan County has recently discovered two invasive annual grasses, Ventenata and Medusahead, that have never been found in Wyoming nor the Great Plains Eco-region. These species are worrisome because they strangle local flora, promote dangerous wildfires, diminish diversity, and reduce wildlife habitat. They have the ability to reduce grazing capacity by 70%. These annual grasses out-compete the native vegetation because they germinate early in the fall and deplete soil nutrients and moisture. They are far more invasive than cheatgrass and rapidly change native landscapes.
See what our Task Force is doing about it!
It is very important to notify Sheridan County Weed & Pest of potential sightings.
How can Sheridan County Weed & Pest help?
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Provide 100% cost-share on chemical & application for medusahead
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Provide a 50% cost-share on chemical for ventenata & cheatgrass if the land manager applies it themselves using a sprayer calibrated by SCWP, or aerial equipment
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SCWP can only cost-share for cheatgrass & ventenata up to 150 acres due to budget constraints
Rejuvra is the main chemical used for control of annual grasses. It is a selective, preemergence herbicide. The active ingredient is indaziflam which is a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor.
Learn what to look for with the
Invasive Grass Field Guide
Ventenata
(Ventenata dubia)
Northeast Wyoming Invasive Grass Working Group's
Fact Sheet
Click on each picture to enlarge the image.
Medusahead
(Taeniatherum caput-medusae)
Click on each picture to enlarge the image.
The video below shows how a ventenata seed can screw itself into the soil when it becomes wet. Then how the seed can wind itself back up while drying so that the process can be repeated during the next rain event.
Don't be the vector
Please remember to clean your shoes, pants, bicycles, pets, and ATV's before leaving an area to prevent the spread of invasive species.
