Family: Poaceae
Briza maxima (big quaking grass) is a glabrous annual grass native to Europe. It is widely cultivated for its large, showy panicles and has become naturalized in several locations worldwide. It is reported to be a weed of several crops, and is regarded as an environmental weed in Australia, where it competes with native plants and reduces species richness. In the Hawaiian Islands, it is sparingly naturalized along roadsides, in pastures, and other disturbed areas, from 610-1,070 m (2000 – 3500 feet) on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized in regions with temperate, Mediterranean and tropical climates
- Widely naturalized, including the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.
- A weed of several agricultural crops
- An environmental weed in Australia
- Other Briza species are invasive weeds
- May increase fire risk in invaded habitats
- Shade tolerant
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reported to form dense swards
- Reproduces by seeds
- Able to hybridize with other Briza species
- Self-compatible (able to self-seed)
- Reaches maturity in one growing season
- Seeds dispersed by wind, water or in mud attached to animals and vehicles, in contaminated agricultural produce, in animal droppings and through intentional cultivation
- Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (up to 3 years)
Low Risk Traits:
- Although an agricultural and environmental weed elsewhere, in the Hawaiian Islands primarily found in roadsides, pastures and disturbed areas.
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable (but not preferred by animals)
- Non-toxic
- Herbicides may provide effective control
- Effectively controlled by hand pulling, mowing or fire.
