Ventenata

What is Ventenata?
Ventenata is an extremely invasive grass (Ventenata dubia) which was recently introduced to the Sheridan area. It was first found in Sheridan County in early 2017 in Ranchester. Ventenata spreads via its barbed seeds, which will stick to almost anything, and has often traveled as a contaminant in hay, bluegrass, or annual seed mixes. It loves open areas and dry soils, but can live almost anywhere. It’s often found following roads and pathways.
[ID tips, uuuugh]

Impacts on the Ecosystem
Like medusahead grass, ventenata is bad for ranchers and farmers. Because of its high silica content and sharp seeds, it has very low nutritional value and can cut up a grazing animal’s face. It is even worse than cheatgrass as fodder, and it crowds out better species. Ventenata often contaminates and reduces the value of hay fields.
Ventenata may pose erosion or fire risk; it is especially dangerous to sagebrush ecosystems. Like medusahead, ventenata gets a head-start on natives and then drops a ton of silica-laden litter, which suppresses the growth of other species and makes prairies more vulnerable to frequent fires. And unlike medusahead and most native grasses, ventenata has very shallow roots which make ecosystems taken over by this plant much more vulnerable to erosion.
Finally, ventenata is bad for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Again, it has very low nutritional value and it replaces better species.

Prevention and Control
Keep native prairies healthy. Avoid disturbing the soil and act quickly when a new invasive is on the scene. It is much easier to eradicate an infestation when it is still small.
Do not transport ventenata seeds! Avoid contaminated fields if you can, and if you do notice ventenata, get rid of the seeds on your clothing, in your dog’s fur, and on your equipment before going anywhere else.
Ventenata can be hand-pulled if populations are small enough. Larger infestations can be mowed several times a season. It is necessary to mow before it sets seeds, as the seed heads are almost impossible to mow and obviously then the plant can spread those seeds. Mowing assiduously for several consecutive years can eliminate an infestation.
Burning in late spring, before seed set, is somewhat effective at destroying ventenata populations. However, it is extremely important to combine this with revegetation, and possibly chemical controls, as ventenata grass loves wide, open, burned fields and will simply recolonize the site if left to their own devices.
Herbicides can be used to control ventenata, especially in late fall, when the seedlings are emerging. Contact a licensed pesticide applicator for more info.
Finally, revegetation should be a part of any ventenata control strategy. Pick vigorous, competitive natives and monitor their success.

Watch Wyoming Game and Fish Video on Ventenata

If you see something, say something! The only way to control noxious weeds is to keep an eye on the whole ecosystem.

For more information: City of Sheridan Weed and Pest at 307-655-8297, or email cvanhoosier@sheridanwy.gov

City of Sheridan

Weed Facts