Holcus lanatus

Holcus lanatus_common velvet grass_Barry Breckling_cropped
Photo: Barry Breckling

Common names: common velvet grass; Yorkshire fog

Holcus lanatus (common velvetgrass) is a tufted perennial grass (family Poaceae) that tolerates high levels of heavy metals in the soil and sulfur dioxide in the air. It establishes best in moist conditions and is a facultative wetland indicator.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Holcus lanatus Information

  • Bugwood - National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Holcus lanatus_common velvet grass leaf sheath_Trent Draper_cropped
    Holcus lanatus (common velvet grass) leaf sheath. Photo: Trent Draper
    Holcus lanatus_common velvet grass_Trent Draper_cropped
    Holcus lanatus (common velvet grass) immature inflorescence. Photo: Trent Draper