This World of Weeds article is focused on tumblegrass. Tumblegrass is a native perennial grass that can become problematic in no-till fields. Don't confuse tumblegrass with tumble windmillgrass highlighted in a previous World of Weeds article. Tumblegrass is found throughout Kansas and control options are limited.
Purple threeawn is a warm-season perennial grass native to Kansas and the Great Plains that can be a challenging weed in fields under long-term no-till management. This species may be found invading fields along with tumble windmillgrass and tumblegrass - other problematic native perennial grasses. It is rarely consumed by animals and is an indicator of overgrazing on rangelands.
Grass species such as tumble windmillgrass, tumblegrass, and purple three-awn are challenging to control when they have established a perennial stand. This article addresses the few options available to help control these troublesome weeds in Kansas.