Medusahead rye is the noxious weed targeted by the Wallowa County Weed Board in September.

ENTERPRISE — As part of the Wallowa County Vegetation Department and Weed Board’s ongoing education efforts, in conjunction with Wallowa Resources, the Chieftain features a noxious weed each month that is on the county’s list of noxious and invasive weeds.

This month’s noxious weed is medusahead rye.

What: Medusahead rye is an annual grass and grows 6-24 inches tall with two to three spikelets on each node of the flower head. The awns are straight when green, but twist into a snake-like fashion as they dry out. Flowering occurs in May and June.

Where: Medusahead rye grows predominantly on semi-arid rangeland. In Wallowa County, it’s typically found in the Imnaha and Grande Ronde canyonlands, as well as on the Zumwalt Prairie.

Dangers: Medusahead rye is a rapidly spreading annual, requiring multiple management stages for control. The stiff awns on the plant may cause injury to grazing animals by working into ears, eyes, nose and tongue. Once it dominates an area, the land base becomes unable to support wildlife or livestock.

How you can help: If you find medusahead rye either on your property or while out and about, take note of the location. You can contact our Wallowa Canyonlands Partnership Program Manager Joe Sims at 541-426-8053 ext.61.