Holcus lanatus aka Common Velvetgrass

Holcus lanatus, also known as Yorkshire fog, tufted grass, or meadow soft grass, is a densely tufted, perennial grass that can reach a height of about 1m. Its specific epithet, lanatus, refers to its woolly and hairy texture. In North America, where it is considered an invasive species, it is commonly called velvet grass or common velvet grass. In parts of northern Europe, however, it is a native species and a hardy pasture grass. This grass has velvety grey-green leaves and round stems, with white bases that have pink stripes or veins, earning it the nickname "stripy pyjamas." The inflorescence is robust and often tinged purple, producing a large amount of seed and quickly colonizing disturbed ground. It prefers wetter areas and is frequently found around drainage ditches. The ligule is blunt, hairy, and measures 1–4 millimeters in length. Holcus lanatus spreads vegetatively by developing new shoots and roots at its nodes, forming a blanket of runners on the soil surface. These runners can produce semi-prostrate rosettes of shoots called "mops," which readily root in moist soil. It can hybridize with H. mollis, resulting in a male sterile hybrid that resembles H. lanatus in morphology. Considered a weed in various habitats, including pastures, open woodlands, grasslands, watercourses, swamps, wetlands, crops, roadsides, disturbed sites, waste areas, lawns, and gardens, Holcus lanatus can be a nuisance. It is important to note that this plant may be poisonous. The most effective control measures include physical removal by hand or with a hoe. Mowing or grazing, in combination with prescribed burning, can also help reduce its dominance.