Barbed Goatgrass
Aegilops triuncialis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Barbed Goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native alternatives to Barbed Goatgrass
Barbed Goatgrass is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Barbed Goatgrass is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Jointed goat grass is an invasive annual grass that forms small clumps and produces seed heads in late spring and summer. This non-native species is considered a noxious weed in many western states and can quickly spread to natural areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Barbed Goatgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Classified as invasive/noxious weed
- Can spread aggressively to neighboring properties
- May violate local weed ordinances
Wildlife value
While it may provide some seed for birds, this invasive species offers minimal wildlife value and crowds out beneficial native plants that support local ecosystems.
Common questions
- How much sun does Barbed Goatgrass need?
- Barbed Goatgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Barbed Goatgrass bloom?
- Barbed Goatgrass blooms in May, June, and July.
- Is Barbed Goatgrass HOA-friendly?
- Barbed Goatgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Barbed Goatgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.