Integrated Pest Management

Green Foxtail

Setaria viridis

Green Foxtail

Green foxtail (Wendy Vandyk Evens, Bugwood.org)

Green foxtail

Green foxtail (Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org)

 

 

Description

  • clump-forming habit; grows 4 inches – 3 feet tall
  • short, fringed ligule; leaf buds are rolled lengthwise in a protective sheath
  • cylindrical flower head with densely clustered floret
  • produces 5,000-12,000 seeds per plant which can remain viable for 6 years
  • tolerant of dry conditions

Location

  • lawns, gardens, cropland and open spaces

Life Cycle

  • annual; germinates starting in spring and anytime throughout the year
  • seeds are able to germinate 2 to 4 months after maturing

IPM Recommendations

  • Hand-pull plants in planting beds prior to seed maturation.
  • Maintain healthy, competitive desirable vegetation.
  • Apply an appropriate pre-emergent herbicide prior to seed germination in early spring and again in mid-summer.
  • Selective herbicides containing quinclorac are also effective, but only within 2 to 3 weeks after germination.