Alopecurus carolinianus

carolina foxtail, tufted meadow-foxtail, foxtail grass, foxtail
Family

Poaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Type

simple

Leaf Shape

linear

Growth Form

graminoid

Flower Color

green

Flower Month

March - July

Height (meters)

0.1 - 0.5

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

native

Lifespan

annual

Growing Season

Cool season


Wetland Class

FACW

Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism

1

Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism

1

Field Characters

Similar to Phalaris caroliniana which has no awns on the florets. Alopecurus carolinianus has 3-5 mm awns on its lemma. Short leaf with bluish sheath. Seeds drop from top first leaving a 'rat tail'.

Animal Use

Produces little seed or forage.

Habitat

Loamy, usually very sandy soils in prairies and disturbed areas.