Creeping Meadow Foxtail

(Alopecurus arundinaceus)

Creeping Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Alopecurus arundinaceus, commonly known as Creeping Meadow Foxtail, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass that thrives in a variety of habitats including riparian zones, wet meadows, and grasslands across Europe, Asia, and Siberia. It typically attains a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and spreads about 0.8-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). This grass features a dense, upright growth habit with narrow leaves and soft, brush-like flower spikes that emerge in late spring to early summer. The flower spikes are greenish to purplish and can add a subtle visual interest to the landscape.

Creeping Meadow Foxtail is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it suitable for use in restoration projects and riparian buffers. It is also utilized as forage for livestock due to its high palatability and nutritional value. In garden settings, it can be used as a ground cover or in water garden designs. This grass prefers consistently moist soils and can tolerate occasional flooding, making it ideal for wet areas. It requires full sun to maintain vigor and achieve optimal growth. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can become invasive outside its native range, spreading aggressively by rhizomes and seed, and should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1.5-3 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Thrives in riparian zones, wet meadows, and grasslands across Europe, Asia, and Siberia

Other Names

Common Names: Creeping Foxtail, Meadow Foxtail, Sort Rævehale, Rohr-Fuchsschwanz, Blasen-Fuchsschwanz, Ruokopuntarpää, Niedru Lapsaste, Strandreverumpe, Svartkavle

Scientific Names: , Alopecurus arundinaceus, Alopecurus ventricosus, Alopecurus nigricans, Alopecurus arundinaceus subsp. exserens, Alopecurus castellanus, Alopecurus pratensis var. ventricosus, Alopecurus salvatoris, Alopecurus armenus, Alopecurus ruthenicus

GBIF Accepted Name: Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir.