Indian goosegrass
Family
PoaceaeScientific Name
Eleusine indicaOther Common Names:
crow's foot
goose grass
manienie ali'i
silver crabgrass
wiregrass
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Cynosurus indicus
Habit
Goosegrass is a major weed of all disturbed places. It includes cultivated crops, gardens and roadsides. It also occurs in plantations and nurseries. Goosegrass grows best in moist, fertile, cultivated soil in full sunlight. Once established it is difficult to kill. It is prevalent in disturbed areas, especially in sandy soil. It is quick-growing and long-living.
Leaves
The leaves of Goosegrass are folded in the bud. Being distinctively white to silver in color, leaves grow in a clump with the base of the leaves. The ligule is toothed, membranous, and divided at the center. It contains hairs only at the base of the leaf.
Identifying Characteristics
Goosegrass reproduces by seeds.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers grow during the period of June - Nov. At the tip of the seed stalk, Goosegrass seedheads grow containing 3-7 spikes. The seeds are attached in a zipper appearance on the spike.
Where Found
Flowers grow during the period of June - Nov. At the tip of the seed stalk, Goosegrass seedheads grow containing 3-7 spikes. The seeds are attached in a zipper appearance on the spike.
Leaf Hair on Upper Surface
Varies:
no hairs,
hairs from base to tip
Leaf Arrangement
folded in bud
Mature Leaf Width
Varies:
less than 5 mm,
6 to 15 mm
Stem
flat or oval
Seedhead
branched spike
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
summer annual
Auricle
not present
Ligule
membrane
Ligule Length
less than 1 mm
Plant Type
Grass