Green foxtail - Setaria viridis (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Control)

Green foxtail

Also known as: Bottlegrass, Pigeongrass

Green foxtail (Setaria viridis) is a summer annual grass that is considered a weed of crops, turf, landscapes and nurseries. It produces a seed head with fringed bristles that resembles a fox’s tail. Grows in full sun and poor, disturbed soil types. Attracts a variety of insects and birds, as well as squirrels, mice and other small animals.

Scientific classification

Species

Green foxtail (Setaria viridis)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Grass

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

10 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

Green, White, Brown

Flower Color

Images of Green foxtail

Distribution of Green foxtail

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry places, cultivated ground, mountain slopes, roadsides, grassy waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Psychic powers, Protection. It symbolizes food, concealment and hardiness.

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Weed Control

Green foxtail is a common grass that is considered a weedy or invasive species everywhere outside of its native range (Eurasia). Outside its native range, this plant is almost never grown deliberately, as it has little economic or aesthetic value. Green foxtail is a hardy, generalist colonizer of disturbed or open habitats, including roadsides, vacant lots or fields, lawns, and gardens. Though it is not known to be toxic to people or foraging animals, in significant numbers, it can outcompete native grasses and forbs, lowering local biodiversity.

How to Control It

The best season to remove 'green foxtail' is in late spring or early summer. It is crucial to remove the plant before it enters the seed-setting stage to prevent it from spreading seeds. Here are some methods to control this plant:

Hand Weeding: Wear gardening gloves and use a small gardening fork or trowel. Identify 'green foxtail' and loosen the soil around it. Gently pull out the entire plant, making sure not to break the root. Dispose of pulled weeds away from your garden.
Mulching: Layer organic mulch around your plants to prevent 'green foxtail' from sprouting. Mulch blocks sunlight and makes it harder for weeds to penetrate. Keep a thickness of about 2-3 inches and remember to replenish the mulch over time.
Solarisation: A great method to use in summer. Water the area infested with 'green foxtail', cover it with a transparent plastic sheet, and let it sit for 4-6 weeks. The heat produced by trapping sunlight will kill the weeds and their seeds.
Use a weed torch: Available in most garden stores, a weed torch can burn the weeds. Ensure to follow safety measures to prevent accidental fires. This method is suitable for patios and walkways with 'green foxtail'.
Plant competition: Planting dense ground covers or other desired plants can outcompete 'green foxtail'. Plant closely together to shade the soil and prevent 'green foxtail' from establishing.

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Quickly Identify Green foxtail

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.

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Care Guide for Green foxtail

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Green foxtail originates from temperate regions and thrives in moderate moisture levels, tolerating brief dry spells. It requires weekly watering and should be carefully monitored during the growing season to prevent water stress, aligning with its native climate's balanced rainfall patterns.

Propagation: Green foxtail is easily propagated by sowing in Spring, with low difficulty. Successful germination is indicated by two small leaves. Proper spacing is crucial for optimal growth.

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Images of Green foxtail

Distribution of Green foxtail

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Green foxtail

Care Guide for Green foxtail

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