- Latin Name: Setaria Viridis
- Latin Family Name: Poaceae
- Common Name: Green Foxtail
- Other Names: Bottle grass, green bristlegrass, pigeon grass, wild millet, wild foxtail millet
Origin:
Native to Europe, now common throughout much of the United States, especially in cooler climates. A particular problem in alfalfa fields, but also occurring in other row crops, along roadsides, waste areas, and in landscape.
Biology:
A summer annual grass weed. Seeds germinate in early spring and plants mature throughout the summer months.
Identification:
Mature plants form large clumps due to the extensive branching and multiple stems arising from the base. These stems characteristically bend at the lower joint, and may grow as high as 2.5 feet. Leaves are flattened, usually no more than around 6 inches long, and are a hairless, shiny green on both upper and lower surfaces. The collar region where the leaf base surrounds the stem may be tinged reddish. Flower spikes are densely packed with flowers, and grow to 3 inches long. The flower head is distinctly greener than similar foxtail species, and is surrounded by short, yellow to purple bristles that grow from the base of each spikelet and are several times longer than the spikelets, giving the flower head a visibly hairy look.
Characteristics Important to Control:
Existing foxtail plants should be killed with an herbicide. Alternatively, repeated tillage and rest during summer heat can work as a non-herbicide treatment. Strong competitive grass and clover can crowd out the foxtail from sprouting.
