Origin:
Native to Eurasia, but an important weed species in cultivated areas throughout the world, including much of the United States.
Biology:
A summer annual grass weed, growing in erect clumps up to 3 feet tall. Reproduction is from seeds, and germination is from late spring through midsummer.
Identification:
Mature plants have fibrous roots, and will not root at stem nodes that rest on the ground. However, tillage of the roots will cause new growth from the base of the plant. Leaves may be 12 inches long, up to 1/2 inch wide, and have long hairs on the upper surface, only at the base area. The sheath is smooth and often reddish at the base, with a distinct midvein. Flower head forms mid to late summer as a coarse, bristly spike, densely packed with spikelets and up to 6 inches long. The seedhead will remain on the stems into the fall. Spikelets are short and dense and each spikelet shows 5 or more bristles that are about 1/3 inch long and yellowish as they mature.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Nutrient-rich soils are preferred, making yellow foxtail a severe problem in turf, landscape, and many crops.
