ALBANIA. Couch Grass (Elymus repens) Root, Cut and Sifted Common names: Dog Grass, Quack Grass, Witchgrass Family: Poaceae Couch Grass is native to North America, and has spread to many other parts of the world including South America, Europe, North Asia, and Australia. It’s found in fields (where farmers generally consider it an invasive pest, since it secretes a chemical that inhibits the growth of other crops), in waste places, on sand dunes, and along roadsides and rail lines. It provides nourishing fodder for cattle and horses, and Couch Grass root has been used as a food source for humans during famines. Active components of Couch Grass include triticin, mucilage, silicic acid, potassium, inositol, mannitol, and glycosides.