foxtail

Foxtail is a common name for several grasses whose bottlebrush-like seedheads resemble a fox’s tail. The term is most often applied to species in the genera Setaria and Hordeum, including green foxtail (Setaria viridis), giant foxtail (Setaria faberi), yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila), and foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum).

The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical spike that can be several centimeters long, with long awns giving the head a fuzzy appearance. The seedheads loosen easily, and individual seeds can attach to fur, clothing, or equipment. Awns can lodge in the ears, noses, or skin of animals, causing irritation or injury.

Ecology and distribution: Foxtail grasses are annuals found in temperate regions worldwide. They commonly grow in disturbed soils, fields, pastures, roadsides, and lawns. Foxtail barley is native to the Eurasian steppe and has been introduced to other regions, where it can persist in similar habitats.

Impacts and management: In agricultural and grazing settings, foxtail can compete with crops and pose hazards to livestock and pets. Mechanical injury from embedded awns can lead to infections or discomfort. Management strategies include mowing before seed set, grazing practices that reduce seed production, and the cautious use of herbicides where appropriate. Removing seed heads from hay and cleaning equipment can help limit dispersal.

Use and significance: Some foxtail species are used as forage grasses in certain regions, but most populations are regarded as weeds. Effective control relies on preventing seed production and removing seedheads before dispersal.