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Cheatgrass

Bromus tectorum
Updated Nov 04, 2022
 
1

Make a Positive Identification

  • Cheatgrass is a dominant grassy weed in the intermountain west (East of the Cascade Mountains).
  • It completes its life cycle in a single growing season (annual). Cheatgrass spreads quickly by seeds and forms dense stands.
  • Cheatgrass thrives in rangelands, croplands, pastures, and disturbed areas.
Species: Cheatgrass
Cheatgrass plants

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Cheatgrass germinates and grows throughout fall, winter, and spring following sufficient precipitation. Plants grow to 4–30 inches tall, depending on available soil moisture and fertility.

Species: Cheatgrass
Cheatgrass flowers

Cheatgrass flowers in the spring. Flowers are small and grow in nodding, hairy bunches (inflorescences) 3–9 inches long. Flowers turn a reddish-brown color.

Species: Cheatgrass
Cheatgrass stems and leaves

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Plants grow 2–20 stems that have soft, short hairs growing on the lower half of the stem (leaf sheath). Leaf blades are narrow, and grow up to 0.2 inches wide.

Species: Cheatgrass
Cheatgrass seeds

Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Individual cheatgrass plants may produce dozens to hundreds of seeds. Most seeds germinate the following fall. Seeds remain viable in the soil for up to 5 years.

Cheatgrass Poses Risks
Species: Cheatgrass
Cheatgrass on fire

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Cheatgrass’s growth habit makes it a wildfire hazard, as shown in the photo. It is highly flammable. Clear cheatgrass to at least 30 feet from structures. For more information, see Cheatgrass and Wildfire  (PDF) (Colorado State University).

Species: Cheatgrass
Veterinarians examining dog’s ear

BraunS, iStock

Cheatgrass seeds can get stuck in pets’ fur, skin, eyes, nose, ears, or mouth and cause injury. Get help from your pets' veterinarian (shown in photo) to remove cheatgrass as needed.

LOOK-ALIKES: OTHER WEEDY BROME SPECIES
Species: Other Brome Species

Cheatgrass grows nodding, hairy, bunching flower clusters (spikelets) similar to other Bromus species. Related species include Bromus diandrus (ripgut brome) and Bromus madritensis subspecies rubens (red brome). Telling the species apart requires a special identification key and knowledge of grass biology.

Both ripgut and red brome grow in similar conditions to cheatgrass. They complete their life cycle in a single growing season (annual).

Control methods for Bromus species are the same.

Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can identify grasses for you.

Free help Identifying Weeds, Insects & Pests
Get expert pest management info & advice online from OSU's Ask Extension.
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2

Cheatgrass Benefits

  • Cheatgrass is a destructive weed. However, it can be valuable forage for livestock in some situations.
 

Cheatgrass Risks

  • Cheatgrass quickly dominates neglected areas.
  • Cities such as Bend, Oregon  and noxious weed agencies across the Pacific Northwest enforce code for cheatgrass control on private property. Check with your local agency to make sure you are compliant.
  • It increases fire frequency and decreases native plant cover.
  • Cheatgrass decreases yields in croplands and decreases forage quality in rangelands.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
Some
Property
High
Pets
High
Annoyance
High
Environment
High
Action Highly Recommended
 
3

TAKE ACTION

Cheatgrass is an invasive weed. It spreads quickly by seed production.

What damage does cheatgrass cause?  
Cheatgrass infestation increases fire frequency in wildland and rangelands. Cheatgrass decreases yields in croplands and decreases forage quality in rangelands.

What if I do nothing?  
Cheatgrass forms dense stands and is difficult to control. The longer you wait to act, the more difficult it will be to control cheatgrass.

 
4

PREVENT MORE CHEATGRASS

Cheatgrass seedlings growing under dead grasses

K. George Beck and James Sebastian, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Look for Seedlings
  • After you pull or dig out cheatgrass or treat it with herbicide, look for new seedlings that emerge after significant rainfall.
  • The best cheatgrass control is to prevent it from getting established. Monitor your property each year.
Gloved hands using metal brush to clean boots

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Remove Dirt from Shoes and Equipment
  • After working or traveling in an area with cheatgrass, clean your boots and tools.
  • Use a wire brush to remove all soil that may contain seeds.
  • Use a pressure washer to clean vehicles and heavy equipment after working in an infested area. Don’t work at a new site until the equipment is cleaned.
Landscape area with native plants growing densely together

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Install New Plants in Landscapes
  • Take care of the plants to get them established and to limit cheatgrass germination and growth.
  • Replanting stabilizes the soil surface, and competes with cheatgrass seedlings.
Area damaged by invasive plant growth and removal, replanted with native plants
Replant Larger Areas with Technical Support
  • Cheatgrass is difficult to remove from an infested area. Replanting a previously infested area requires planning and effort. The photo shows an area that was replanted after invasive weeds were removed.
  • Create a multi-year revegetation plan. Plans include site preparation and planting details, plant care, and follow-up control for yellow cheatgrass and other weeds. Plan for at least 2-3 years of monitoring and maintenance.
  • Your local Extension specialist, soil and water conservation district, or a professional revegetation specialist can suggest strategies for your area.
 
5
Solutions for Cheatgrass

Early Detection & Rapid Response

Watch for cheatgrass on property you manage. Remove it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Physical Removal of Plants & Non-chemical Methods

  • Single plants and small patches can be removed with hand tools and power tools. Remove or kill all of the root crown.
  • Mowing and disking are helpful cheatgrass control methods, but don’t get rid of it.

Herbicides (Weed Killers)

 Herbicides effectively control cheatgrass when used according to the label instructions.

Monitoring & Follow Up

  • Look for new cheatgrass on your property each year.
  • After you remove it, new plants will grow in the same spot unless you take steps to prevent them.

NEED HELP?

Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

Jump to

Method Does it work? Is it safe? Recommendation
A
Physically Remove Plants
Effective
Low risk
Recommended
B
Mowing & Disking
Somewhat effective
Low risk
Recommended
C
Glyphosate & Grass-Selective Herbicides
Effective
Moderate risk
Use if Necessary
D
If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
 
A

Physically Remove Plants

Non-Chemical Method

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Physically Remove Plants

Recommended

Dig out individual plants and small patches.

Does it work?
Effective

Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
High effort

Requires several years of monitoring and effort.
What's the risk?
Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE

Soil Disturbance and Erosion

  • Minimize soil disturbance as much as possible.
  • Regrade the soil after digging cheatgrass plants. Apply mulch (when appropriate).
  • Take steps to prevent erosion as needed.
  • Replant the area to shade cheatgrass seedlings.
 
B

Mowing & Disking

Non-Chemical Method

kn1, iStock

Mowing & Disking

Recommended
  • Repeated cultivation can reduce a stand of cheatgrass.
  • Repeated mowing helps keep cheatgrass from making new seed.
Does it work?
Somewhat effective
  • Mowing and disking methods won’t get rid of cheatgrass.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
High effort
What's the risk?
Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE
Worker using string trimmer

kn1, iStock

Mowing used alone is not recommended to control cheatgrass. It will regrow and bloom following limited mowing. However, repeated mowing will provide control if done every few weeks throughout the growing season to reduce flower cluster growth.

Tractor with disk attachment cultivating field

freeteo, iStock

For larger patches, tillage may be used to bury seeds 4 or more inches deep. Shallow cultivation following the first flush of seed germination kills seedlings. Repeat several times throughout fall and winter to kill subsequent seeds that germinate after significant rainfall.

 
C

Glyphosate & Grass-Selective Herbicides

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Chameleonseye, iStock

Glyphosate & Grass-Selective Herbicides

Use if Necessary

Herbicides containing active ingredients glyphosate and herbicides that target grasses (grass-selective) are effective treatments for cheatgrass when label directions are followed. Herbicides that control germinating seeds and seedlings (preemergent) also work.

Does it work?
Effective

Use preventive measures for best results.

 
How much effort?
Moderate effort

Requires several years of monitoring and treatment.
What's the risk?
Moderate risk
  • Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.
  • Herbicides can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos.

You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Herbicide products containing active ingredients glyphosate and grass-selective herbicides such as fluazifop effectively control cheatgrass when label instructions are followed. Look for these chemical names in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.

Photo of herbicide label highlighting active ingredient glyphosate

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

  • The white box on the example label highlights active ingredient glyphosate. Text on the label states “Kills grass and weeds....”
  • Glyophosate will damage most plants and grasses. Don’t let the spray contact plants you want to keep.
Photo of herbicide label highlighting active ingredient fluazifop

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

  • Grass-selective herbicides such as fluazifop effectively control cheatgrass.
  • These products don’t injure desired plants when used as directed on the label instructions. They can be used around ground covers, flower beds, and shrubs (bushes), and trees.
  • The white box on this example label highlights active ingredient fluazifop. Text on the label states “KILLS WEEDY GRASSES WITHOUT INJURING ORNAMENTAL PLANTS”

Herbicide Application Tips

  • Premixed products are available in stores.
  • Preemergent herbicide products applied to the soil surface late summer through winter are effective for preventing cheatgrass seeds from growing.
  • The specific timing and application method depends on the herbicide product. Follow the label instructions for best results.
  • It takes repeated effort over several years to get rid of a well-established stand of cheatgrass.
  • Other herbicides are available for cheatgrass control when used in an integrated pest management plan. Consult with pest control specialists for access to other herbicides and to generate an integrated pest management plan.
 

If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks

Chemical Method: Use with Caution
Ducks in marsh

SteveOehlenschlager, iStock

Why is it important to read herbicide labels?

  • They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
  • They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
  • They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
  • Following label instructions helps to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.

Key Herbicide Safety Tips

  • Read the entire label front to back.
  • Follow the instructions.
  • Review the instructions even for brands you know.
  • Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
  • Be precise in your application. More is not better.

The Label is the Law

ALWAYS read the label before using herbicide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the herbicide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an herbicide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.

READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.

  • Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
  • Use a magnifying glass for small print.
  • Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
  • Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
  • The law states you must read and follow herbicide instructions.

Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants

  • Wear the right protective gear. This often includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
  • Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
  • Take a shower immediately after handling herbicides.
  • Wash clothes worn while mixing or applying separately from other laundry.

Protect Children & Pets
Children and pets are at risk if they eat or touch the plants before it dries.

  • Keep them away during and after applying herbicides (read label for how long).
  • Remove toys and pet dishes from yard before applying.
  • Don’t track herbicide products into your home on shoes or clothes.

Protect Plants You Want to Keep

  • Glyphosate and similar herbicide ingredients damage both grass and broadleaf plants.
  • Minimize spraying of foliage, stems, exposed roots, or the trunks of desirable shrubs or trees to avoid harm.
  • Follow the label to avoid damaging the roots of trees and shrubs.

Avoid Wet, Windy, or Hot Weather
Use during favorable weather for best results.

  • Don’t spray when it’s raining or when rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
  • Wind causes spray to drift that can get on you and desired plants.
  • Herbicides may be less effective in hot weather if the target plants are moisture-stressed.
  • Some herbicides can turn into a vapor in hot weather and damage nearby plants.

Storage & Disposal

  • Store in a secure area away from children.
  • Don’t put unused herbicide products in the trash.
  • Never pour down any drain or waterway.
  • Take unused herbicides to a hazardous waste facility.

Call  1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of herbicides.

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call  503-234-3000, email   or visit Metro’s website  

More about:

About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon

If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management  (Oregon Department of Agriculture).

NEED HELP?

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu  

Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

Invasive Species Alert

  • Invasives are non-native species that spread aggressively and alter the environment.
  • Controlling unwanted cheatgrass is costly.
  • Please do your part to control cheatgrass on property you manage. It can spread beyond your property and have an adverse impact on your neighbors.
static invasive map
Invasive species data @ 2022, iMapInvasives (NatureServe)

The map shows cheatgrass distribution in Oregon. It is already widespread. There’s no need to report infestations of it.

SEE OTHER COMMON PACIFIC NORTHWEST WEEDS

Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writer J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.

 Peer reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.

Photo of Weston Miller

Weston Miller

Project Founder and Content Writer

Weston Miller served as Community and Urban Horticulture faculty for Oregon State University Extension Service for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Weston is an author for content for this website. He developed funding partnerships with Portland area agencies to initiate and build out the Solve Pest Problems website focused on this goals:

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann completed a Physical Science undergraduate degree at Humboldt State University, and M.S, Ph.D focusing on plant science topics at UC Davis. He went on to work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in a leadership position serving a private agricultural technology company. He currently lives in Sacramento California where he consults on pest and property management topics.

Photo of Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl

At the state level, I lead the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Division.

Cheatgrass Referneces

Recognizing and Identifying Three Invasive Annual Grasses in the Great Basin Desert  
OSU Extension Service

Ripgut, Red, and Downy (cheatgrass) Brome  (PDF)
Weed Control in Natural Areas of the Western United States, University of California

Brome Grasses  
University of California IPM

Weed Control User Tool  
University of California ANR