Foxtail Grass

Foxtail Grass, common name for several species of grasses with bushy flowering spikes. One species, called the meadow foxtail, is native to temperate Europe and Asia and was introduced into the United States in the mid-1800s. Meadow foxtail has soft, dense flower spikes. The plants grow well in cool, moist climates and are especially useful as pasture. Several varieties have been cultivated with gold or striped leaves; these are grown in gardens.

Another example of a foxtail grass is called foxtail millet. Foxtail millet has been cultivated since prehistoric times. Preserved seeds from the plant have been found in the remains of Stone Age lake dwellings in Switzerland and in ancient village sites in Japan.

Scientific classification: Foxtail grasses belong to the family Poaceae (formerly Gramineae). Meadow foxtails are classified as Alopecurus pratensis. Foxtail millet is classified as Setaria italica.