Aegilops cylindrica is a winter annual that can reach 4 ft. (1.2 m) in height.
Foliage
The leaves are alternate, up to 0.5 in. (1.2 cm) wide with thin hairs along the margins, sheath openings and auricles. The ligule is short and membranous.
Flowers
Flowering occurs in May to June, when the plants produce red (when mature) or straw-colored spikes. Spikes are cylindrical and contain 2-12 spikelets per spike.
Fruit
The spikelets are awned with the longest awns at the top of the spike. At maturity the seed heads break into individual segments.
Ecological Threat
Aegilops cylindrica is native to southern Europe and western Asia. This species is known to hybridize with wheat.