Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
WORLAND – During WESTI Ag Days Feb, 14-15 at the Worland Community Center Complex U.W. Extension Range Land Resources Educator Mae Smith spoke to participants about two new invasive grasses that have been found in Wyoming; Medusahead and Ventenata grasses.
Smith stated that the grasses have not yet been found in the Big Horn Basin but that they have been found in the Sheridan area. The Ventenata grass was found in many different areas and the Medusahead grass had been found in only a couple spots.
“I have a feeling that it’s (Ventenata) probably here. If you see these invasive grasses let me know immediately,” Smith stated.
Both grasses are invasive and these grasses are not normally eaten by animals. Smith stated that the grasses, unlike cheatgrass are not palatable at any stage and they take over fields where more palatable grasses grow.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “Ventenata is beginning to replace perennial grasses and forbs along roadsides and in hay, pasture, range and CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) fields in the western U.S. In addition to having minimal forage value for livestock or wildlife, Ventenata is also undesirable because its shallow root system may cause the soil to be more prone to erosion. Over time, decline of productivity and land value occurs.”
According to the fact sheet handed out during WESTI Ag Days Medusahead grass grows from six to 24 inches tall and looks similar to the desirable perennial squirreltail. Ventenata grass grows from six to 27 inches high, is light yellow in color and is wispy looking.
Smith stated that Round-up has a 100 percent kill rate for both Medusahead and Ventenata. Herbicides are recommended for large areas and for small areas or the stray trespasser picking, making sure to get the entire plant and that no seeds are lost works well.
If you see either of these invasive grasses call Big Horn County Extension at 307-765-2868 as soon as possible to let Smith know.