Quackgrass
Agropyron repens
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Quackgrass (Agropyron repens) 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native alternatives to Quackgrass
Quackgrass 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaQuackgrass is an aggressive, spreading perennial grass that forms dense colonies through underground rhizomes. It produces upright seed heads from summer through early fall and can quickly dominate other plantings. This species is considered a noxious weed in many areas due to its invasive nature.
In an HOA neighborhood
Quackgrass 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.
- Spreads aggressively and invades neighboring properties
- Extremely difficult to control once established
Wildlife value
Provides some habitat and nesting material for small wildlife, though its aggressive growth often displaces more beneficial native plants that support diverse pollinators and wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Quackgrass need?
- Quackgrass grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Quackgrass bloom?
- Quackgrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Is Quackgrass HOA-friendly?
- Quackgrass 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 Quackgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz