Grassy Weeds - St Augustine Lawn - Rescuegrass
BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Grassy Weeds
Rescuegrass
Bromus catharticus
Common Name
Rescuegrass
Latin Name
Bromus catharticus
Family
Poaceae
Life Cycle / Type
Winter annual or short-lived perennial · Grassy weed
What Is It?
Rescuegrass is a cool-season grassy weed with wide, soft leaf blades and a bunch-type growth habit. It resembles ryegrass but has a coarser texture and matures earlier. It commonly appears in thin or dormant Bermuda turf, pastures, and disturbed areas during cool weather. This weed can behave as both an annual and a short-lived perennial. Pre-emergent herbicides may reduce new seedlings but will not control established plants.
Soil Temperature & Germination
Rescuegrass germinates as soils cool in the fall.
Below 55°F
Germination begins
Cool winter soils
Continued establishment
Decision Question
Is the rescuegrass visible above the soil right now?
Why This Weed Comes Back
Missed fall pre-emergent timing
Dormant or thin Bermuda turf
Bare or disturbed soil
Learn the Basics
A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.
