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ALOPECURUS pratensis

Image of Alopecurus pratensis

Jesse Saylor

Family

Poaceae

Botanical Name

ALOPECURUS pratensis

Plant Common Name

Meadow Foxtail

General Description

Meadow foxtail is a perennial cool-season grass native to Eurasia. It is versatile and forms spreading clumps that can be used ornamentally, as a pasture grass or for silage in agriculture. In some locations it is considered an invasive weed.

Its clumps spread by rhizomes (underground stems). It has large upright blades that are flattened and rough to the touch. The tiny inconspicuous flowers are borne on tall cylindrical spikes held well above the foliage. Meadow foxtail grass grows best in moist locations and is found in wetlands, roadside ditches and irrigated fields.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Grass

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    24"-48" / 61.0cm - 121.9cm

  • Width

    16"-48" / 40.6cm - 121.9cm

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Summer

  • Native To

    Europe, Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Wet Site

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Brown

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Tan

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Groundcover, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes