Creeping meadow foxtail has been planted for forage, hay, and soil stabilization. It has been observed spreading into prairies and wetlands and crowding out other species.
Description
Appearance
Creeping meadow foxtail is a perennial, rhizomatous, cool-season grass well adapted to wet areas. It can grow up to 47 inches tall.
Leaves and stem
The leaves are 0.2 - 0.3 inches wide. The tops of the leaves are smooth and the bottom side of the leaves are rough. There is a 0.03 - 0.2 inch long ligule (a thin membrane) where the leaf attaches to the stem. Stems can grow up to 47 inches tall.
Flowers
The flower is a spike of small florets. The spike can be 1.5 – 4 inches long and it changes in color from green to deep purple or black as it matures. The florets have 0.01 – 0.08 inch long awns (bristles).
Seeds
Seeds are 0.05 inches long, black, and covered in small hairs.
Rhizomes
Can spread by rhizomes (an underground stem that sends out roots and shoots). Spread by rhizomes can make an existing patch larger. Pieces of rhizomes can also start new plants.
Biology
Creeping meadow foxtail is a perennial grass. It grows in moist to wet soils. Its seeds spread by wind and water.
Origin and spread
Creeping meadow foxtail is native to Eurasia. It was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s. It has been planted in the U.S. for pasture forage, hay, and soil stabilization. There is a variety called ‘Garrison’ that is promoted for use for forage production in salty soils.
Refer to EDDMapS Distribution Maps for current distribution.
Don't be fooled by these look-alikes
- Meadow foxtail, Alopecurus pratensis (non-native) - Meadow foxtail is a close relative of creeping meadow foxtail. Meadow foxtail has a light brown mature flower spike when mature while creeping meadow foxtail has a dark purple flower spike. Meadow foxtail has longer awns (0.2 – 0.4 inches long) than creeping meadow foxtail (0.01 – 0.08 inches long).
- Shortawn foxtail, Alopecurus aequalis (native) – Shortawn foxtail only grows up to 28 inches tall.
- Carolina (tufted) foxtail, Alopecurus carolinianus (native) – Carolina foxtail only grows up to 16 inches tall.
- Timothy, Phleum pratense (non-native) – The creeping meadow foxtail seedhead is similar in appearance to the seedheads of timothy, but creeping foxtail seedheads turn purplish or black while timothy seedheads turn a brownish-buff color. This University of Minnesota cool-season perennial pasture grass identification webpage has a diagram of key grass identification characteristics and lists how distinguish among multiple grass species.
- Foxtail barley, Hordeum jubatum (native) and green foxtail, Setaria viridis (non-native) – These species have similar common names to creeping meadow foxtail and can occupy similar habitats but have very different seedheads with long awns (hair-like bristles) and are unlikely to be confused for creeping meadow foxtail.
Regulatory classification
In January 2026, this species will become a Minnesota Department of Agriculture Restricted Noxious Weed meaning it will be illegal to import, sell, or transport.
Threat to Minnesota
- Dense cover of creeping meadow foxtail can impair water movement in canals, irrigation ditches and other waterways.
- Can form dense cover and outcompete other plant species.
What you should do
One way that invasive plant seeds and fragments can spread is in soil. Sometimes plants are planted purposefully. You can prevent the spread of invasive plants.
PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks
- REMOVE plants, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets and vehicles.
- CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site.
- STAY on designated roads and trails.
- PLANT non-invasive species.
Native substitutes
- Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)
- Slender (unilateral) wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus)
- Canada (nodding) wild rye (Elymus canadensis)
- Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus)
Control methods
Mechanical control can be done by digging out or pulling the plant by hand or with equipment. Grazing and mowing can reduce the amount of plant material, but generally does not provide control.
Herbicide control can be done using the systematic herbicide glyphosate. Systemic herbicides are taken up by plants and move within the plant, which can kill leaves, stems, and roots. Be sure to use a glyphosate formulation approved for use in or near water since creeping meadow foxtail often grows in wet areas. Late September until the first frost is the most effective time period for application.
Reporting
Report new occurrences by submitting a report through EDDMapS, emailing Report a Pest, calling Report a Pest (1-888-545-6684), or contacting your local county agricultural inspector.
Resources
- Identification: Pages 103-105 in Common Grasses of Nebraska (University of Nebraska Extension)
- Identification: Creeping foxtail plant guide (USDA NRCS)
- Management: Can use management guidance for the closely related species, meadow foxtail (Cascadia Prairie-Oak Partnership)