What are the ideal growing conditions for short-awn foxtail?

Short-awn foxtail thrives in wet to damp, poorly drained soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they remain moist.

Is short-awn foxtail invasive?

While Alopecurus aequalis can spread readily in suitable wet environments, it is generally not considered highly invasive in most garden settings. Its growth is typically contained by its preference for consistently moist conditions.

How tall does short-awn foxtail typically grow?

Short-awn foxtail usually reaches a height of 15 to 60 centimeters, making it a relatively short and non-intrusive grass.

When does short-awn foxtail flower and produce seed?

Flowering and seed production generally occur from late spring through summer, depending on the climate and specific location.

Can short-awn foxtail be used in landscaping?

Yes, it can be used in naturalistic landscaping, particularly in areas that mimic wet meadows or bog gardens where its fine texture and moisture tolerance are advantageous.

Orange Foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis) – Care, Growing Guide & Benefits

Short-Awn Foxtail Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Short-Awn Foxtail
Attribute	Value
Toxic for humans	No 0/5 intensity
Toxic for pets	No 0/5 intensity

Non-toxic

Short-Awn Foxtail Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type: Grass
Plant Place Type: Garden, Pot
Plant Environment: Aquatic
Lifespan: Annual
Plant Height: 0.1-0.5 m
Spread: 0.1-0.3 m
Tall Or Wide: Tall
Growth Rate: Fast
Dormancy: None
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Type: Simple
Optimal Sunlight (lux): 60000
Weed Status: Yes

Care guide for Short-Awn Foxtail

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Alopecurus aequalis thrives in consistently moist conditions, mimicking its natural wetland habitat. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out.

Overwatering is less of a concern than drought for this moisture-loving grass.

Pruning

Pruning is generally not required for Alopecurus aequalis. Its natural growth habit is desirable.

If seed heads become untidy or if the plant spreads too aggressively, you can cut back the entire plant after flowering to tidy its appearance or control spread.

Propagation

Alopecurus aequalis can be easily propagated by seed or by division. Sow seeds in moist soil in autumn or spring.

Division of established clumps is best done in early spring or autumn, ensuring each division has adequate roots and shoots.

Repotting

Repotting is not typically necessary for Alopecurus aequalis as it is often grown as a groundcover or in naturalized settings. If grown in containers and it becomes root-bound, repot in early spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, moist potting mix.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Mar

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · NovPeak fruit · May

FloweringFruiting

Image Gallery

Photos of Short-Awn Foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis)

Short-Awn Foxtail Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

Dent Foxtail
Little Meadow Foxtail
Orange Foxtail
Short Foxtail
Short-Awn Foxtail
Short-Awn Foxtail Grass
Short-Awned Foxtail
Shortawn Foxtail
Water Foxtail

Synonyms

Alopecurus amurensis Kom.
Alopecurus aristulatus Michx.
Alopecurus brachytrichus Ohwi
Alopecurus caespitosus Trin.
Alopecurus diandrus Griff.
Alopecurus fulvus Sm.
Alopecurus paludosus P.Beauv. ex Mert. & W.D.J.Koch
Tozzettia fulva (Sm.) Lunell

Short-Awn Foxtail Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Short-Awn Foxtail
Rank	Name
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Tracheophyta
Class	Liliopsida
Order	Poales
Family	Poaceae
Genus	Alopecurus
Species	Alopecurus aequalis

Similar Plants

Similar in genus Alopecurus

Mountain Foxtail

Alopecurus alpinus

Creeping Foxtail

Alopecurus arundinaceus

Alopecurus brachystachyus

Bulbous Foxtail

Alopecurus bulbosus

Short-Awn Foxtail FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

What are the ideal growing conditions for short-awn foxtail?
Short-awn foxtail thrives in wet to damp, poorly drained soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they remain moist.
Is short-awn foxtail invasive?
While Alopecurus aequalis can spread readily in suitable wet environments, it is generally not considered highly invasive in most garden settings. Its growth is typically contained by its preference for consistently moist conditions.
How tall does short-awn foxtail typically grow?
Short-awn foxtail usually reaches a height of 15 to 60 centimeters, making it a relatively short and non-intrusive grass.
When does short-awn foxtail flower and produce seed?
Flowering and seed production generally occur from late spring through summer, depending on the climate and specific location.
Can short-awn foxtail be used in landscaping?
Yes, it can be used in naturalistic landscaping, particularly in areas that mimic wet meadows or bog gardens where its fine texture and moisture tolerance are advantageous.

Short-Awn FoxtailAlopecurus aequalis

Short-Awn Foxtail Care Summary