Medusahead
(1A, very limited presence in Montana)
(Taeniatherum caput-medusae)
Quick ID
- Grass
- Long awns point outward and upward
- As the plant dries, the awns twist
- Often produces a lot of litter to form a thick litter layer
- Seedheads do not fall apart like those of foxtail barley and squirreltail
Map Courtesy of Montana Natural Heritage Program, Medusahead – Low Suitability: 9% of Montana, Moderate: <1%, Optimal: <1%. Larger image.
Medusahead Grass
Video Information
Weed Images
Weed Specifications
| Type | Information |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic, but not palatable due to high silica content and stiff glumes and awns |
| Best Management Practices |
Proper grazing management, minimize disturbance, thatch removal, good sanitation practices to avoid seed dispersal *See additional documents below |
| Habitat | Disturbed areas, degraded land, rangeland, thrives on high clay content soils, areas with cool wet winters and hot dry summers |
| Root | Fibrous |
| Leaves | Bright green and upright |
| Lifespan | Winter annual, germinates and emerges in fall and begins growing again in the spring, initiating growth early in the growth season and reducing moisture and nutrients for native perennial grasses |
| Similar Looking Plants | Bottlebrush squirreltail, foxtail barley |
| Important Information | Serious threat to rangeland, particularly in high clay content soils; stiff glumes and awns pose a risk to fleece and flesh; litter impedes growth and germination of other species, ties up nutrients, and increases fire danger |
