Common Name: barnyardgrass, water grass, cockspurScientific Name: Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv.Family Name: Poaceae (Graminae) - Grass FamilyIdentification NotesLife Cycleintroduced annual, reproducing by seed Culmsupright, somewhat thick, smooth, flattened, often reddish-purple Leavesblades smooth, conspicuous white mid-rib, margins sometimes wavy, rolled in bud; ligule absent; sheaths smooth, flattened, open, reddish purple Seedheadspanicle, straight or upward spreading branches, green to purple, spikelets compact on branches and bristled