What Is The Grass That Looks Like Wheat

Have you ever looked out at your lawn and seen a patch of grass that looks like wheat? This is a common question from homeowners noticing tall, seed-headed grasses that stand out from their turf. Identifying these plants is the first step to managing your lawn’s health and appearance.

That wheat-like grass in your yard is most likely a type of weedy grass or an ornamental grass that has seeded itself. It often appears coarser, grows faster, and produces a seed head that resembles a tiny stalk of wheat or barley. These intruders can change the look and feel of your lawn if left alone.

Common Culprits: Lawn Weeds That Mimic Wheat

Several common weeds are known for their wheat-like appearance. They thrive in lawns that are under stress, thin, or improperly watered. Here are the most frequent offenders:

Quackgrass: This is a perennial grassy weed with a telltale wheat-like seed head. Its most identifying feature is its clasping auricles—little claw-like structures where the leaf blade meets the stem. Quackgrass spreads by aggressive underground stems called rhizomes, making it tough to control.
Tall Fescue (especially old clumps or KY-31 variety): While modern turf-type tall fescue is a desirable lawn grass, older varieties or escaped clumps can form coarse, wide-bladed bunches. They grow faster than surrounding grass and produce noticeable seed heads in late spring.
Crabgrass: Although its seed head is more finger-like, mature crabgrass can give a wheaty impression from a distance. It’s an annual grass that sprouts in late spring, thrives in summer heat, and dies after frost, leaving bare patches.
Foxtail (Green, Yellow, or Giant): These annual grasses produce dense, cylindrical, bristly seed heads that look like foxtails or, in some cases, compact wheat heads. They are common in thin, bare, or disturbed soil areas.
Dallisgrass: This perennial grass forms unsightly clumps with tall seed stalks. Its seed head has multiple branches that hang down, which can be mistaken for a wheat head when young.

Ornamental Grasses That Can Invade Your Lawn

Sometimes, the issue isn’t a weed but a desirable plant in the wrong place. Ornamental grasses from garden beds can easily spread their seeds into the lawn.

Lyme Grass: With its blue-green foliage and tall wheat-like flower spikes, lyme grass can self-seed vigorously. A stray seed blown into a weak spot in your lawn can quickly establish.
Fountain Grass: This popular ornamental grass produces fluffy, bottlebrush seed heads. Birds or wind can carry its seeds into your turf, where they may sprout.

Step-by-Step: How to Identify the Wheat-Like Grass

Follow these steps to figure out exactly what’s growing in your lawn.

Examine the Growth Pattern. Look at how the grass is growing. Is it in a neat, circular clump? Is it spreading in random patches through runners or underground stems? Clumping often points to tall fescue or dallisgrass, while spreading patches suggest quackgrass or crabgrass.
Check the Leaf and Stem. Feel the leaf blade. Is it coarse and wide, or fine? Look closely at the stem joint (the ligule). Use a magnifying glass if needed. Quackgrass will have those clasping auricles. Many weedy grasses have hairy leaves or stems, while turf grasses are smoother.
Analyze the Seed Head. This is a major clue. Note its shape, length, and how it’s arranged. Is it a single spike (like quackgrass), a series of fingers (like crabgrass), or a dense bottlebrush (like foxtail)? Take a clear photo for comparison.
Consider the Timing. When did you first notice it? Annual weeds like crabgrass and foxtail appear in late spring/summer. Perennial weeds like quackgrass and dallisgrass are visible whenever the lawn is growing.

Tools to Help You Identify Grasses

You don’t need fancy equipment. A simple magnifying glass, a garden trowel to gently lift a sample, and your smartphone are perfect. Take clear pictures of the whole plant, the root area, and the seed head. Your local county extension service website is a fantastic free resource for identification, often with detailed photo galleries.

How to Remove Unwanted Wheat-Like Grasses

Once you’ve identified the grass, you can choose the right removal method. Persistence is key here, as many of these grasses are tenacious.

For Isolated Clumps (Tall Fescue, Dallisgrass): The most effective method is often careful digging. Use a narrow trowel or a weeding tool to remove the entire clump, including all roots and rhizomes. Fill the hole with fresh soil and reseed immediately with your desired lawn grass.
For Spreading Weeds (Quackgrass, Crabgrass): For small invasions, diligent digging is still an option. For larger areas, you may need a selective post-emergent herbicide. It’s crucial to choose one labeled for your specific lawn type (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda) and the target weed. Always follow the label instructions exactly.
Pre-Emergent Control: For annual weeds like crabgrass and foxtail, prevention is best. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring before soil temperatures reach 55°F. This creates a barrier that stops seeds from sprouting.

Remember, a thick, healthy lawn is your best defense. Weeds exploit thin, weak turf. Proper mowing (never cutting more than 1/3 of the blade height), deep but infrequent watering, and regular feeding will help your desired grass outcompete invaders.

What If It’s Actually Wheat or Barley?

It might sound funny, but sometimes it really is wheat or barley! This can happen if bird seed (which often contains millet, wheat, and other grains) is spilled on the lawn or if a neighbor’s grain crop sheds seeds. These plants are annuals and will die after producing their seed head. You can simply pull them or mow them down before they set seed to prevent them from returning next year.

When to Call in a Professional

If the infestation is widespread and causing you to consider starting over, consulting a professional lawn care service is a smart move. They can provide a definitive ID and have access to commercial-grade solutions not available to homeowners. They can also advise on the most cost-effective long-term strategy, whether that’s targeted treatment or complete renovation.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: What is tall grass that looks like wheat in my lawn?
A: It’s likely quackgrass, tall fescue clumps, or a mature annual weed like foxtail or crabgrass. Check the seed head and growth pattern for clues.

Q: How do I get rid of quackgrass that looks like wheat?
A> Quackgrass is tough. For small patches, dig it out meticulously, ensuring you remove every piece of its white rhizome. For larger problems, a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate may be necessary, which will kill any grass it touches, requiring reseeding.

Q: Is there a lawn grass that resembles wheat?
A: Some older, coarser varieties of tall fescue can have a wheat-like appearance, especially when they send up seed heads. Modern turf-type tall fescue blends are bred to be finer and produce fewer seed heads.

Q: Can ornamental wheat grass take over my lawn?
A: Yes, some ornamental grasses, like lyme grass, are vigorous spreaders by seed. If planted near a lawn, they can easily send volunteers into the turf. It’s best to remove seed heads before they mature or choose less invasive varieties.

Identifying that mystery grass is a matter of careful observation. By taking a close look at its features and understanding its habits, you can take the right steps to manage it. A consistent lawn care routine focused on health is the ultimate solution for keeping your turf looking uniform and beautiful, free from uninvited wheat-like guests.