Source: California Invasive Plant Council


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Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead)

Taeniatherum caput-medusae
Taeniatherum caput-medusae
Photo courtesy Joseph DiTomaso

Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead) is a winter annual (family Poaceae) that typically invades disturbed sites, grasslands, openings in chaparral and oak woodlands. Taeniatherum caput-medusae out-competes native grasses and forbs and is found throughout northwestern California. After they set seed, medusahead plants persist as a dense litter layer that prevents germination and survival of native species, ties up nutrients, and contributes to fire danger in the summer.

Jepson Manual, 2nd Edition: Elymus caput-medusae

Cal-IPC Inventory rating: High

Cal-IPC Resources Taeniatherum caput-medusae

Cal-IPC News Articles

  • Young, S. L. (2002). Exploring alternative methods for vegetation control and maintenance along roadsides. CalEPPC News. 10: 5-7.

Cal-IPC Symposium Proceedings

  • Alford, J., D. Benedetti, et al. (2011). Using public domain remotely sensed data to predict Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead) infestations, a case study from the central California foothills. Cal-IPC 2011 Symposium. Tahoe City, CA, California Invasive Plant Council.
  • Dudney, J. (2011). Mapping, monitoring and removing medusahead. Cal-IPC 2011 Symposium. Tahoe City, CA, California Invasive Plant Council.
  • Carey, C. and S. C. Hart (2011). Alteration of nitrogen cycling processes by exotic annuals in a California grassland. Cal-IPC 2011 Symposium. Tahoe City, CA, California Invasive Plant Council.
  • Turner, I. (2010). Mapping flammable invasive weeds in the South Shore area of Lake Tahoe. Cal-IPC 2010 Symposium. Ventura, CA, California Invasive Plant Council.
  • Eviner, V., K. J. Rice, et al. (2009). Controlling the invasion of noxious rangeland weeds into an exotic-dominated grassland: Is there a role for native grass reseeding? . Cal-IPC Symposium. Visalia, CA Cal-IPC.
  • Coppoletta, M. (2006). Testing the effects of flaming as a method of medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) control on the Plumas National Forest. Cal-IPC Symposium. Rohnert Park, CA.
  • DiTomaso, J. M. (2005). Efficacy and safety of new herbicides on the horizon. California Invasive Plant Council Symposium 2005. Chico, CA.
  • Clines, J., J. DiTomaso, et al. (2004). Grasses working group. California Invasive Plant Council Symposium 2004. Ventura, CA.
  • DiTomaso, J. (2003). Fire: Prescribed burning as a management tool. California Invasive Plant Council Symposium 2003. Kings Beach, CA.
  • DiTomaso, J. M., G. B. Kyser, et al. (2001). Integrated management of yellow starthistle and medusahead using prescribed burning and clopyralid. California Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium 2001. San Diego, CA.
  • Pushnik, J., J. W. Hunt, et al. (2005). Experimental herbaceous restoration and noxious weed mitigation at the California Department of Fish and Game_217s Butler Slough Ecological Reserve, Eastern Tehama County. California Invasive Plant Council Symposium 2005. Chico, CA.
  • Pyke, D. A. (2000). The use of fire to control exotic plants. California Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium 2000. Concord, CA.
  • Thomsen, C. D. (2000). Bear Creek watershed restoration program. California Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium 2000. Concord, CA.
  • Thomsen, C. D., W. A. Williams, et al. (1996). Yellow starthistle management with grazing, mowing, and competitive plantings. California Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium '96. San Diego, CA.

Other Resources on Taeniatherum caput-medusae


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