Quitch grass, also known as couch grass or Bermuda grass, is a type of weed that is difficult to eradicate from lawns and gardens. Its spelling can be confusing due to its varied names and pronunciation. The correct spelling of this word is /kwɪtʃ/ grass, with the "q" pronounced as "kw." The term "quitch" is believed to have been derived from the Middle English word "cwice," meaning "living" or "lively," as the grass has a persistent nature and is difficult to kill.
Quitch grass, scientifically known as Elymus repens, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. Also commonly known as couch grass or wheatgrass, it is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but has become naturalized in various regions worldwide.
Quitch grass typically grows in dense clumps with long, slender stems that can reach heights of up to 3 feet. It has flat, hairless leaves that are pale green in color, and its extensive rhizomes allow it to spread rapidly and form a persistent mat-like network beneath the soil surface. These rhizomes can extend several feet, making quitch grass a troublesome and persistent weed in agricultural fields, gardens, and lawns.
Although quitch grass can be used for erosion control and as forage for livestock under certain circumstances, it is primarily considered an invasive and noxious weed due to its ability to outcompete and overtake desired plant species. This grass is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, further exacerbating its invasiveness.
Controlling quitch grass can be challenging, as it resists many common herbicides and can regenerate from even small sections of rhizome left behind after removal. Effective management often requires a combination of strategies, such as repeated mowing, regular cultivation, and targeted herbicide application.
Properly, quick-grass; dog-grass or couch-grass.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "quitch grass" has its origins in Old English. The term "quitch" comes from the Old English word "cwice", which means "living" or "quick". This is likely due to the plant's fast-growing and creeping nature. "Grass", on the other hand, derives from the Old English word "græs". So, "quitch grass" refers to a type of grass that grows quickly and spreads rapidly, often considered a weed or invasive species. It is also known by other names such as couch grass or twitch grass.