Tufted very hairy perennial 20–100 cm. Veins of basal leaf sheaths are pinkish-red. Flower heads are whitish, pale green, pinkish or purple. No rhizomes.

Importance:

Very common and widespread on a broad range of soil types. Not usually an arable problem but may spread in fallow ground or grass breaks. Of some value for grazing when young.

Lifecycle:

Established plants do not grow through the winter bur form new shoots in the spring. Seeds can germinate rapidly and are viable across a wide temperature range. The seed is, however, small and while it can travel long distances on the wind seedling vigour is poor.

Management:

Yorkshire fog is seldom a problem within crops. Populations can be managed through spring cropping and deep cultivations.