About Aegilops triuncialis L.
Barbed goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis L.) grows to a height of 8 to 16 inches, or 20 to 41 cm. It produces few to many rigid, loosely erect above-ground stems called culms. In late spring, the plant forms rigid flower spikes, each holding three to six spikelets. These spikelets bear long, stiff awns that help with seed distribution. When the grass reaches maturity, entire spikelets detach from the plant and fall to the ground to germinate. The long awns that give the plant its common name also help the spikelets disperse via animals, wind, or water.
