Dear Friends,
Here is our good friend, Bromus tectorum, or cheat grass. This horrid
stuff was introduced in the late 1800's in packing material, and has
since spread to just abut every nook and cranny of our country.
Because it greens up and sets seed so quickly in the spring, it
outcompetes native grasses. It is in a symbiotic relationship with
fire. Its awns, once dry, are harmful to animals, and collect in socks.
This plant will never be controlled on public land. Its extent is too
great. Consequently, we can only hope for control on our private
properties. Fortunately, it is an annual, not a perennial.
First of all: Control seed production and dispersal. Mow, pull, and
then bag seed heads.
Then seed ground with healthy native seeds.
Be alert to new growth. You will probably have to treat this stuff
repeatedly during the summer.
Recommended reading: Holistic Management, by Alan Savory & Jody
Butterfield. It is available throught the Savory Center at
www.holisticmanagement.org. Ask Dan for more info --- he loves talking
about it.
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07232.html for info on ornamental
grasses adapted to Rockies
www.hcn.org search archives for cheatgrass
Just google cheatgrass and see what happens!
More on weeds to come!
Best,
J
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