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Foxtail Organic Weed Control

Foxtail weed
Foxtail
Foxtail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Descriptions and Life Cycle:

  • 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; several spiklets 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 then germinate in spring.
  • Foxtail prefers rich soil and newly cultivated areas.

Root System: Ragweed has a shallow taproot that produces a fibrous root system.

Organic Controls:

  • Hand pull or hoe small plants in spring.
  • Dig out mature plants, taproot and all with a trowel or shovel; remove entire clumps of plants.
  • Do not let plants flower and set seed. Foxtail reproduces by seed.

 Range: Throughout the United States and southern Canada.

Botanical Name: Setaria glauca, S. viridis

Four Quick Ways to Control Weeds:

  1. Weed early. Control weeds in the first month after they germinate.
  2. Weed often. Hand weed every two weeks through the season.
  3. Weed by hand when the soil is wet (best to get roots).
  4. Use a hoe if the soil is dry. Decapitate weeds before they flower and drop seed.

 

Written by Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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