Ability to Respond Total:9 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:High
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
Plant spreads rapidly along highways and as contamination in seed and other sources. One of the most widely distributed grasses in California.
4
Spread Amount
Invasive and weedy in a number of habitats, including vernal pool, along roadsides, common in rangelands, and also in many agricultural crops.
5
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Produces abundant potential fuel which can increase frequency or severity of fires. Can compete for early season moisture and reduce native plant cover.
4
Agricultural
Can be a weed in agronomic crops, orchards, vineyards.
2
Infrastructure
2
Cultural
1
Health
Although a minor problem, in the North Coast region of California and elsewhere, the ryegrasses are occasionally infected with the fungus that causes ryegrass staggers in livestock, particularly sheep and cattle.
2
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
A dominant species of rangelands. Supports many small animals and can prevent soil erosion in grassland areas.
2
Agricultural
Widely sold in the turf industry. Many golf course, parks, and lawns are made of the perennial form of ryegrass. Outstanding forage species in rangelands. Considered one of the most desirable of the annual grasses.
5
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
The perennial form of the plant is a very important turf species and aesthetically pleasing to people.
