BARNYARDGRASS, Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv. 1, plant; 2, two views of spikelet. Annual with fibrous, rather shallow roots. Stems 1 to 4 feet (0.3 to 1.2 m) tall, thick, coarse, mostly erect, smooth, branching at the base. Leaves, both sheaths and blades, smooth. Blades 3/8 to 5/8 inch (9 to 15 mm) wide, light green. Panicle bearing several rather compact side branches, green or purplish in color. Florets covered with conspicuous short stiff bristles, bearded. Seeds tan to brown, oval with longitudinal ridges on the convex surface. Found in most cropped areas in late summer or fall.