Yellow Foxtail Description

Weed

Yellow foxtail

Scientific Name

Setaria glauca

Family

Grass family (Poaceae)

Life Cycle

Summer annual

Reproduction Method

Reproduces by seeds. Seeds germinate at temperatures between 68 and 95°F

Appearance

Yellow foxtail forms a coarse, upright or prostrate, bunch-type grass. It usually branches at the base and may root at lower nodes. Growing up to 4 feet tall, yellow foxtail emerges from a shallow, fibrous root system and normally has flattened stems that are reddish near the base.

Leaves

Leaves of yellow foxtail are flat, smooth, and with margins that are somewhat rough. They grow 2 to 12 inches long and up to 1/2 inch wide. Twisted or spiraled pubescents, 1/8 inch long, usually appear near the base on the upper surface. The sheath is flattened with a prominent midvein.

Flowers

The flowers are cylindrical, dense, bristly, and erect. They are 2 to 5 inches long, yellow, spike-like, and appear June to September.

Occurrence

Yellow foxtail occurs in moist, fertile soil during the mid to late growing season and is often found in new seedings, open turf, or bare spots.

Non Chemical Control

To control yellow foxtail without chemicals, mechanically remove or hand pull. Maintain turf density and health through proper culture; avoid close mowing and summer fertilization.

Chemical Control

Application Period

Apply preemergence herbicides one to two weeks prior to germination in the late spring or summer; use post emergence herbicides when weeds are small.

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