The invasive nature of barbed goatgrass is causing a decrease in species diversity, and a decrease in forage. Most grazing animals tend to avoid barbed goatgrass because they do not like the taste of it, allowing the grass to take over the other grasses and grains consumed by the animals. The barbs on the flower spikelets containing the seeds become attached easily to animal fur, human clothing, and vehicles which allows the seeds to become more widely dispersed over the area.
The intrusive nature of barbed goatgrass is leading to a reduction in species diversity, and a decrease in forage. Most grazing animals tend to avoid barbed goatgrass due to its unpleasant taste, enabling the grass to dominate other grasses and grains consumed by the animals. The sharp spikes on the flower spikelets containing seeds easily attach to animal fur, human clothing, and vehicles, facilitating the spread of seeds over a wider area.