

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.
Bristly bottlebrush-like inflorescence atop stem.
Spike-like flower panicle with dense spikelets and bristles.
Small, hard fruit grains with oval shape and light tan color.
Light green leaves with fine veins and drooping form.
Smooth, slender stem with minimal branching, adapting to varied conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Green foxtail