Share

Annual Meadow-grass

©Philip Precey

Annual meadow-grass

Scientific name: Poa annua
Annual meadow-grass is a coarse, vigorous grass that can be found on waste ground, bare grassland and in lawns. In some situations, it can be considered a weed.

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 25cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

January to December

About

Annual meadow-grass is a very common, short-lived grass found in bare grassland, on disturbed ground and waste ground, and even in turfed lawns. It flowers throughout the year, but is most prolific in spring. As with other vigorous grasses, it can become a nuisance on agricultural land and these species are often considered to be weeds.

How to identify

Annual meadow-grass is a light green, low-growing grass. It grows from a central base, to which all the shoots can be traced, and has a creeping rootstock. The blade-like leaves are blunt-tipped, and the yellow-green flower head is triangular with branched spikelets that contain the flowers.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

Annual meadow-grass is found all around the world and has many different varieties.

How people can help

The Wildlife Trusts work with pest controllers and organisations dealing with difficult and invasive species to find the most wildlife-friendly solutions to some of our everyday problems.