JOINTED GOATGRASS, Aegilops cylindrica Host. 1, lower part of plant showing fibrous roots; 2, upper portion with spike; 3, seeds. Winter annual, reproducing by seeds. Root system fibrous. Stems erect, branching at base. Leaves alternate, simple, with auricles at the base of the blade, smooth or, in one variety, hairy. Spikes with spikelets arranged in a compact cylinder, bearded, longest beards at top of head. Seeds ripening ahead of wheat, shattering easily. Found principally in wheat fields, from which it spreads to roadsides and waste places. Very difficult to control where wheat is grown continuously.