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Green foxtail

How to identify Green foxtail (Setaria viridis)

Green foxtail, also known as Bottlegrass, Pigeongrass

Green foxtail appears as an imposing annual grass with a slender build and a height that can reach approximately 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). Its leaves are flat and narrow, tapering to a pointed tip, while the stem is somewhat erect and branching. A defining feature is the bristly inflorescence, resembling a bottlebrush, that stands prominently at the top of the stem. This seed head presents a greenish hue during its blooming period and persists throughout the growing season. The plant’s hardiness allows it to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, from moist to dry, and it flourishes under full sunlight to partial shade.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Grass

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Green foxtail

1

Bristly bottlebrush-like inflorescence atop stem.

2

Spike-like flower panicle with dense spikelets and bristles.

3

Small, hard fruit grains with oval shape and light tan color.

4

Light green leaves with fine veins and drooping form.

5

Smooth, slender stem with minimal branching, adapting to varied conditions.

Green foxtailGreen foxtailGreen foxtailGreen foxtailGreen foxtail

Detailed Traits of Green foxtail

Leaf Features

The leaves of green foxtail are light green, measuring 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) in length and about 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) in width. They exhibit fine but distinctive veins, with a drooping form. The upper surface is scabrous, while the lower surface is usually glabrous. Leaf sheaths may be purplish at the base and bear a few hairs.

Leaf Base

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Texture

Herbaceous

Leaf Margin

Undulate

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Flower Features

The flowers of green foxtail feature a spike-like panicle that is 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) long, typically erect but often nodding at the tip. The panicle is densely packed with 2–6 spikelets (flower clusters). Each spikelet sits at the base of 1-3 bristles that can be either green or purple. This distinctive arrangement makes the flowers stand out. Although not noted for their scent, these flowers possess a unique structure, crucial for identification.

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Stem Features

The stem of green foxtail is green and smooth, characterized by an erect to ascending growth habit. The lower part of the stem often lies prostrate before transitioning to an upward growth. It is generally slender and cylindrical, maintaining a consistent thickness. The stem does not exhibit pronounced branching at the base, ensuring a clean and linear appearance. This structure allows green foxtail to adapt well to various growing conditions.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of green foxtail consists of grains that are small and hard, resembling typical grass seeds. They exhibit an oval shape with a subtle taper towards one end, contributing to their flattened appearance. These grains usually bear a light tan to brown hue. Each fruit measures approximately 0.08 inches (2 mm) in length, with a smooth texture and a somewhat glossy surface, easily dispersed when mature. Key identification traits include the fruit's size, color, and shape, that are essential for differentiating it from the fruits of closely related species.

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Key Facts About Green foxtail

Attributes of Green foxtail
Plant Height
10 cm to 1 m
Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Color
Green
White
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Green foxtail

Family
Grass
Icon allow
Species
Green foxtail (Setaria viridis)
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Distribution Map of Green foxtail

Green foxtail's native range encompasses major regions across Eurasia and Northern Africa, including portions of the Mediterranean, Middle Asia, and East Asia. It has also been introduced across various continents, such as North and South America, Europe, and Oceania, where it has established itself in diverse environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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