This foxtail is a weedy, introduced, bunched annual with erect-to-leaning stems 16-40 inches tall that are often sharply angled and reddish near the base (C). Leaf blades are loosely twisted or spiraled (D). They may be hairless but often have long, thin hairs especially on the upper surface near the base (E). The erect, cylindrical 1- 5 inch flower cluster bears many densely packed spikelets, each associated with 5-20 yellow bristles (F).
Roadsides, disturbed ground, fields and gardens. In Fontenelle Forest, Yellow Foxtail is common along Camp Gifford Road. At Neale Woods it is common at the edges of the Krimlofski parking lot and entrance trail. Flowering occurs from July to September.
The erect flower head and yellow bristles separate this species from the other foxtails.
Yellow Bristlegrass, Wild Millet and Pigeongrass are other common names for this species.
Natives of Eurasia, our foxtail species are among the most common and serious weeds found in cultivated fields. Seeds are a significant food source for songbirds and upland game birds.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.