Volunteer Task Force Cheat grass is an invasive species that has been reported as in various locations around Los Alamos. It spreads rapidly, cures quickly, and burns readily. All these are reasons to attempt to eliminate it from the forests surrounding town.
Cheat grass has fluffy flowers and seed pods, forming a soft-appearing patch of grass.
The base of the plant turns red as it matures. It grows in clusters that are easily pulled from the ground. It has blown in from stands in the townsite, and probably was spread by hitchhiking into the forest on the boots of volunteers during the rehab projects. Volunteers are encouraged to watch for cheat grass along trails and roads. If you would like to help eradicate the weed, carry a plastic bag when you are hiking.