annual ryegrass
Alias: Italian ryegrass          
Lolium multiflorum        

Identifying Characteristics:

Seed:   tall, narrow seed shaped similar to tall fescue; rachilla is wide and flat at the top; size varies from 5 to 8 mm in length and 1 to 1.5 mm in width

Seedling:   leaves are rolled in sheath; glossy, pointed leaf blades; clasping, prominent auricles; rounded or toothed membranous ligule

Mature Plant:  long, narrow spike inflorescence with alternating awned spikelets; bunch-type grass reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet

Method of Propagation: seed 

Life Cycle: cool-season annual

Similar Species:  similar to perennial ryegrass but annual ryegrass spikelets are awned

References: Abaye, A. Ozzie. "Identification & Adaption: Common Grasses, Legumes & Non-leguminous Forbs of the Eastern United States."
Moore, Kenneth J. “Compendium of Common Forages.” From “Forages: An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture.”