Barbed goatgrass, Barb goatgrass
Aegilops triuncialis
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Aegilops triuncialis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Dry acid grassland and stony habitats. Argillaceous semi-deserts, dry hills and as a weed of cultivation.
Middle East.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - small and fiddly. An emergency food, used as a cereal in making bread etc.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species, it probably requires a well drained soil in a sunny position and should be tolerant of clay since it favours clay soils in the wild. This species is believed to have hybridized with primitive forms of Triticum spp (Wheat) to produce some of the more modern Triticum spp. It could, therefore, be of value in wheat breeding programmes. It grows successfully at Kew, setting seed even in cool summers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in situ and only just cover the seed. Make sure the soil does not dry out before the plants germinate. Seed can also be sown early March in a greenhouse and planted out in May.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 8-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive in California (barb goatgrass) B list (noxious weeds). Oregon (barbed goatgrass) "A" designated weed, Quarantine.