Alopecurus

( al - oh - pee - KEW - rus )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly known as Foxtail Grass, this genus includes annual and perennial species of grasses that do well in partial shade in hot climates. They typically need regular waterings to do well in landscapes. They reach between 1 and 4 feet tall and produce spiked flower infloresences. Use Foxtail Grasses as erosion control in sloped areas of the garden, or in moist meadows or bioswales. Take care when planting these grasses in the landscape, as some species are considered quite invasive. The pollen from these grasses is also a contributor to symptoms of Hay Fever, asthma, and allergies in sensitive individuals.

Alopecurus species and varietals

The genus Alopecurus is a member of the plant family Poaceae and includes between 36 and 43 species. The generic name is derived from the Latinized Greek words for fox (alopex) and tail (oura), referring to the plant's fox-tail shaped flower inflorescences. These grasses grow best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-10, 14-17 and 21-24, though this varies depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the individual species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Alopecurus aequalis (Shortawn Foxtail, Orange Foxtail, Short-Awn Meadow Foxtail)
These perennial plants are commonly found growing near bodies of fresh water (such as along ponds and in ditches), and are native to most of temperate North America and Eurasia. Erect bunching stems reach 30 inches tall when mature. This grass can tolerate growing in shallow standing water for up to two months during the growing season, but will struggle if the growing situation persists. Best in USDA zones 3a-9b.

Alopecurus myosuroides (Slender Meadow Foxtail, Black-Grass, Twitch Grass, Black Twitch)
This annual species is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and western Asia and can reach up to 32 inches tall. These plants are often found growing in tufts. Leaves are hairless, and sheaths are smooth and green-purple. Flowers appear between May and August. This species is considered an invasive, damaging agricultural weed around the world, especially in Europe and parts of North America.

Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail, Field Meadow Foxtail)
This perennial species is native to Europe and Asia, and is typically found growing in grasslands in neutral soils. It tends to form large colonies, leading to low biological diversity. The species is widely cultivated for pasture grass and hay, and has naturalized in many areas of the world, including Australia and North America. Flowers are present from April through June. Field Meadow Foxtail does well when grown in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. This species is considered an invasive weed in Australia, Alaska, and areas of Europe.

Alopecurus saccatus (Pacific Foxtail, Pacific Meadow Foxtail)
These annual grasses are native to the west coast of the United States, where they grow in moist areas at low elevations between Washington and California. It is an annual bunchgrass which forms tufts of green foliage up to 18 inches tall. Flowers are present between the months of March and May.

Caring for Alopecurus

Take care when planting these grasses in the landscape, as some species are considered quite invasive. The pollen from these grasses is also a contributor to symptoms of Hay Fever, asthma, and allergies in sensitive individuals. Alopecurus is typically planted via seed, and should be situated in full sun to partial shade for ideal growth. Ensure that soil is well-draining, moderately fertile, and has a pH of between 5.6 and 8.4 (acidic to alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these grasses need regular water to stay healthy. Take care to not overwater or leave these grasses in standing water for too long, as they will develop fungal issues in soils that are saturated.

Fertilize a few times a year with a decomposed compost that is fine in texture and well-rotted. Apply a 1/4 inch layer over the area and gently work it in to the soil using a rake or brush. Water it in thoroughly after application, and then continue care as usual. Alopecurus grasses can be left to grow naturally as members of meadow or prairie-style landscapes. They typically will reach 2-3 feet tall and can be pruned to remove dead and damaged foliage to encourage new growth to emerge. Deadhead to discourage re-seeding and spread. Late winter or early springtime is the best time of the year to complete pruning activities. The life span of Alopecurus plants varies; some species are annuals, others are perennials, but both types of grasses will freely re-seed in the garden, providing new plants for many years if conditions are suitable for seed germination.

Propagation

Alopecurus, or Foxtail Grass, is best propagated by division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Foxtail Grass, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Alopecurus by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, and a spray bottle. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded, and are typically held above the foliage on thin stems. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to release their seeds. Shake to assist in releasing more seeds, and then empty the bag's contents onto a tray or into a seed storage container. Alopecurus seeds can be stored in an airtight container in a dark, cool, dry area for several years. The germination rate for Alopecurus seeds is between 40% and 90% for fresh seeds.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds on the soil surface and then cover them with a light dusting of more soil. Place the tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Alternatively, Alopecurus seeds can be direct-sown into bare areas of the garden or dispersed in prairie or meadow-style beds. When direct-sowing Alopecurus seeds, make sure to prep the area by removing existing unwanted vegetation and debris, and prepare and level soil by adding some compost over the top. If seeding in a high-traffic area, it is recommended that barriers or caution tape be put up to avoid trampling the tiny seedlings.

Propagating Alopecurus by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Separate the removed bunch of grass into sections using a sharp, clean knife or trowel. Ensure that each division has a healthy root system and a few shoots. Any dried out areas with dead roots can be tossed in the compost.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with well-draining soil and compost and rake it in. Water thoroughly, and then plant divisions.
Keep soil consistently moist as the newly-planted divisions establish strong root systems in their new home. Provide regular waterings, especially during dry spells.