Many samples have arrived in the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab the past few weeks with the common question of “What’s this grass in the turf I seeded last fall?”. Although there could be a host of answer to this question with annual bluegrass likely on the top of the list, most of what I have identified is either annual ryegrass or winter wheat. Annual ryegrass is a common ingredient in poor quality seed mixtures and winter wheat is commonly found in areas planted with wheat straw as a mulch. Both species should die during the warmer summer months without the need to apply a herbicide. Below are some pictures and helpful clues for identifying these grasses in turf that you plant.
Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist