Stems are smooth below joints, very tough, leafy, branch freely, and often root at the lower nodes. Leaves are flat, rough, pale green, scattered along the stem, and dense near the tip, giving the plant a brushy appearance. The seedhead is a panicle that barely protrudes from the leaf sheath. Wirestem muhly is found in fence rows and along roadsides. It sometimes persists in cultivated fields, but is most commonly found in no-till fields.
Growth starts later in the spring than quackgrass.
Wirestem muhly is more easily injured by frost than quackgrass. Control of perennial weeds may require a combination of all these methods. Consider the energy and environmental implications when choosing a method of control. Mechanical Control Mechanical control may increase or decrease perennial weed infestations. Tillage may increase infestations by moving perennial weeds to new areas of the field or breaking dormancy of underground buds resulting in new shoot growth.