Common Australian Garden Weeds

Poa annua

Scientific anme: Poa annua L.


Winter grass plant (Poa annua) in flower.


The inflorescence of winter grass in an open panicle


Close-up of the inflorescence showing many spikelets, each with several florets.


Young Winter grass plant.

Common names: Annual poa, winter grass

Family: Poaceae

Origin:

Native of Europe now widespread in temperate regions.

Habit:

Annual or short-lived perennial tufted grass up to 30 cm tall. Grows over winter and early spring.

Habitat:

Common weed of damp, shady areas in lawns and disturbed sites.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Stems are erect or spreading, rooting at lower nodes. Leaves are pale green, hairless and soft, with margins that are slightly rough. Leaf blades are 0.5-12 × 0.1-0.5 cm with a blunt tip. There is a ligule at the base of the leaf blade a membranous appendage 3-4 mm long.

Flowers and fruit

The inflorescences are open panicles (inflorescences with several spreading branches) carrying spikelets which consist of three or four flowers. Spikelets are oblong to egg-shaped 3-5.5 mm long

Distinguishing characteristics:

Soft, pale, tufted grass, growing to 30 cm tall, with an open panicle of 3-5.5 mm oblong to ovoid spikelets. Flourish during winter and spring.

Noxious status:

Not noxious.

Sources:

Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 3. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney.