A member of the grass family (Poaceae), Yorkshire Fog Grass is a widespread and common weed. It tolerates a wide range of conditions but is most invasive in wet soils in sunny or semi-shaded sites e.g. roadside drains, where it may exclude other grasses. It is not much grazed by stock and can become dominant in wet pasture. It is perennial, but dies down in summer and grows vigorously in late winter and  early spring. It may disappear in dry years, and will be abundant in wet years, with the potential to become a serious weed of freshwater wetland margins. Originally from Europe and Asia, this grass is now  found all around the world. The grass grows from seed, which is easily spread in mud on machinery and vehicles, and by sticking to animals and clothing, or in animal manure. It can be so vigorous as to crowd  out native grass species.

Read the article in Autumn – Week 11.