Woolly Cupgrass

Eriochloa villosa

Weed Description
Wolly cupgrass is an erect annual that is commonly a problem in ditches, disturbed sites, and agronomic fields.

Leaves
Leaves are hairy with one side of the leaf blade crinkled. Blades are flat and lanceolate-linear and measure 2-12mm in width. A ligule is present and has a fringe of hairs that vary from 1-1.5mm in length.

Sheaths
Covered with short hairs.

Flowers
Consists of a panicle of racemes and spikelets are arranged in 1 or 2 compressed rows. The rachis is covered with soft hairs while the pedicels are densely covered with long hairs.

Roots
Fibrous root system.

Identifying Characteristics
One side of the leaf blade has a distinct crinkle that is flat, linear, to lanceolate-linear. The rachis is densely covered with soft hairs. Spikelets are arranged in 1 to 2 compressed rows on 2 sides of the rachis. Prairie cupgrass is similar in appearance but its inflorescence is not covered with hairs and has a twisted awn at the tip of the fertile lemma.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Woolly Cupgrass

Eriochloa villosa