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.