The stems usually branch from the base, are flattened, and spread over the ground. The spikelets are green to purple, numerous, and located on branches of the flowering stem. Each spikelet has 1 floret and 2 empty glumes. The empty glume is often long-awned. Barnyard grass produces about 7,200 seeds per plant.
Barnyard grass prefers warm, moist, soil conditions.
Scouting Techniques Take a minimum of 20 weed counts across the field. Ensure that you check any low spots for patches because seeds may have collected in such spots when water drained into them. Also, check the field edges because this weed often moves in from field borders. This tough, fibrous weed can cause problems in harvesting equipment, especially when harvesting dry beans and potatoes. This weed is less competitive than wild oats but more competitive than green foxtail in cereals.