Feather fingergrass, a summer annual weed native to warm temperate regions worldwide is becoming more and more common in the northern Sacramento Valley. It can be found in agricultural fields, orchards, roadsides and canals. This tuft forming grass, can be 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall and forms umbel like inflorescence: a cluster of short stalks originating from a common point, somewhat like umbrella ribs.

Feather fingergrass is a tough weed and it can be difficult to control. In addition, cases of glyphosate resistant populations have been reported in other countries and thus, unfortunately, it may develop resistance in California too.

I am planning to conduct some herbicide screening trials to evaluate control options and efficacy and I am looking for possible co-operators.

If you are interested or would like to have some more information on feather fingergrass please reach out to me at the Orland CE office (530- 865-1105) or via email: mfgalla@ucanr.edu