Stephen Albert
Foxtail is an annual plant that grows as a weed in lawns, vegetable and ornamental gardens, orchards, and vineyards. The seedlings look much like annual grasses.
Botanical name: Setaria glauca, S. viridis
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- WeedGuard Plus Biodegradable Paper Weed Barrier
Foxtail descriptions and life cycle
- Foxtail stalks grow 1 to 3 feet tall.
- Erect stem; branches close to the base.
- Leaf blades are smooth and flat less than ½ inch wide with a spiral twist; distinct hairs grow at the base of leaves.
- Flower spikes are hairy; with several spikelets on each terminal.
- Seed heads are dense bushy spikes 1 to 5 inches long with yellow or red-brown bristles and large seeds.
- Flowers early summer to late summer.
- Reproduces by seed; seeds can sit dormant through winter and then germinate in spring.
- Foxtail prefers rich soil and newly cultivated areas.
Foxtail root system
Ragweed has a shallow taproot that produces a fibrous root system.
Foxtail organic controls
- Hand pull or hoe small plants in spring.
- Dig out mature plants, taproots and all with a trowel or shovel; remove entire clumps of plants.
- Do not let plants flower and set seed. Foxtail reproduces by seed.
Foxtail range
Foxtails grow throughout the United States and southern Canada.
Four quick ways to control weeds
- Weed early. Control weeds in the first month after they germinate.
- Weed often. Hand weed every two weeks through the season.
- Weed by hand when the soil is wet (best to get roots).
- Use a hoe if the soil is dry. Decapitate weeds before they flower and drop seed.
Related articles:
Vegetable Garden Organic Weed Control
Vegetable Garden Organic Pest Control
Vegetable Garden Diseases Problem Solver
Garden Planning Books at Amazon:
- Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner
- Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide Vegetable Encyclopedia
- Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide
- Tomato Grower’s Answer Book
