Goatgrass (Aegilops bicornis): What Every Gardener Should Know
If you’ve stumbled across the name goatgrass in your gardening research, you might be wondering whether this plant deserves a spot in your landscape. Let’s dive into what Aegilops bicornis is all about and whether it’s right for your garden.
What is Goatgrass?
Goatgrass (Aegilops bicornis) is an annual grass that belongs to the same family as wheat, barley, and other cereal grains. Don’t let the family connection fool you into thinking it’s a garden superstar, though. This modest grass is more of a botanical curiosity than a landscape showstopper.
As a member of the Poaceae family, goatgrass has the typical grass-like appearance you’d expect – narrow leaves, small seed heads, and an overall unremarkable presence that won’t turn heads in your garden.
Where Does Goatgrass Come From?
This grass calls the Mediterranean region home, with its native range spanning parts of the Middle East and southwestern Asia. It’s adapted to the dry, sunny conditions typical of these regions, which gives us clues about what it needs to thrive.
Should You Plant Goatgrass in Your Garden?
Here’s the honest truth: most gardeners probably shouldn’t bother with goatgrass. While it’s not invasive or problematic, it doesn’t offer much in the way of ornamental value or ecological benefits that would make it worth your garden real estate.
The Not-So-Great Aspects:
- Minimal aesthetic appeal – it’s just not a looker
- Limited wildlife benefits compared to native grasses
- No significant pollinator value (it’s wind-pollinated)
- Better alternatives exist for nearly every garden situation
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re determined to grow goatgrass (perhaps for educational purposes or botanical interest), it’s actually pretty easy-going. This grass prefers:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-drained, dry soils
- USDA hardiness zones 8-10
- Minimal water once established
As an annual, goatgrass completes its life cycle in one growing season, so you’ll need to replant from seed each year if you want to keep it around.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of goatgrass, consider these native grass options that offer more bang for your gardening buck:
- Little bluestem for prairie-style gardens
- Buffalo grass for drought-tolerant lawns
- Bunch grasses native to your specific region
- Sedges for areas with varying moisture levels
These alternatives will provide better wildlife habitat, require less maintenance once established, and contribute to your local ecosystem in meaningful ways.
The Bottom Line
While Aegilops bicornis isn’t going to cause problems in your garden, it’s not going to solve any either. Unless you’re a grass enthusiast, botanical researcher, or have a very specific need for this Mediterranean native, your garden space is probably better devoted to plants that offer more visual interest, wildlife benefits, or practical value.
Remember, every plant in your garden is an opportunity to support local wildlife, create beauty, or serve a function. Make those opportunities count by choosing plants that truly earn their keep!
