Darkfield and polarised light micrograph of quackgrass (Agropyron repens). This perennial grass, also known as couch grass, is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It has been introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America. While quackgrass can be used as forage for livestock, it is considered a weed in many agricultural settings. It can compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight, and its extensive root system can make it difficult to eradicate. In addition, the rhizomes can break off and spread the plant to new areas, making control of quackgrass particularly challenging. Despite its status as a weed, quackgrass has some potential medicinal uses. The rhizomes contain several compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, and skin conditions.