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Quackgrass

Agropyron repens

Last reviewed: June 2026

Quackgrass (Agropyron repens)
Photo: Kala Nag / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CO

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Quackgrass 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.
Where is Quackgrass native?
Quackgrass (Agropyron repens) is native to CO, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Quackgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz