Green Foxtail
Setaria viridis · Warm-season, Annual, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (non-cultivated)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10, highly adaptable to various climatic extremes as an annual.
About This Grass
Forms coarse, loose tufts with bright green to grayish-green leaves. Reaches heights of 1 to 2 feet when unmowed. Features distinct cylindrical, bristly, spike-like panicles resembling a fox tail.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse texture, width 4-10 mm, flat shape, pointed tip, light to medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, glabrous surfaces, prominent midvein. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles absent.
Root System
Fibrous root system, moderate depth, rapid establishment from seed, no significant thatch or sod formation.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eurasia; widely naturalized globally in temperate and subtropical regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type, upright to spreading annual
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun, moderate water needs, moderate drought tolerance once established, thrives in disturbed soils with wide pH range.
Mowing & Maintenance
Requires frequent mowing to prevent seed production; difficult to control selectively in lawns; high maintenance when infesting turfgrass.
Special Characteristics
Poor wear tolerance for turf use, high seed production for weed persistence, acts as an aggressive agricultural and lawn weed.
Ecological Information
Introduced species, seeds provide food for ground-feeding birds, commonly found in waste areas, gardens, and thin turf.