Rescuegrass

Rescuegrass is a short-lived bunch grass closely related to bromegrass and cheat or chess. It garnered its name as rescuegrass for its propensity for quick growth following a drought. It is productive in late winter and spring, but it matures quickly and generally is not a highly palatable forage. It also is a prolific reseeder. As a result, areas that commonly have volunteer rescuegrass should not be planted to crops that will be harvested for seed in spring. Rescuegrass is a common weed that can be utilized when found in pastures, but it is not recommended for new plantings in Georgia.

Dr. Dennis Hancock
Forage Extension Specialist
Crop & Soil Sciences Dept.