Yellow Foxtail
Setaria pumila · Warm-season, Annual, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type / Not applicable
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10
About This Grass
An annual grassy weed growing upright or spreading, reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet when unmowed. Features a distinctive dense, cylindrical, spike-like panicle resembling a foxtail with yellowish-brown bristles. Medium to light green foliage.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (4-8mm), flat blades with a distinct twist, prominent ligule consisting of a fringe of hairs, and often with long hairs near the base on the upper surface. Rolled vernation in the bud.
Root System
Fibrous root system, moderate depth, rapid establishment from seed in disturbed soils
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Asia, now widely naturalized throughout North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) annual grass, reproducing entirely by seed
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun, moderate water needs, moderate drought tolerance once established, grows best in fertile, disturbed soils
Mowing & Maintenance
Low to medium maintenance; frequently controlled via mowing, herbicides, or hand-pulling before seed heads form
Special Characteristics
High seed production, highly adaptable weed, poor wear tolerance compared to established turfgrasses, acts as an annual weed in lawns and agricultural fields
Ecological Information
Introduced weed species in North America, provides minor food source for ground-feeding birds, can be a troublesome agricultural and turf weed due to prolific seed production