Carolina Foxtail

Alopecurus carolinianus

Weed Description
Erect winter annual to as much as 6 inches in height. Carolina foxtail is found in cultivated fields, pastures, roadsides, and waste areas. Seed production takes place in the spring and dies back by early summer.

Seedlings
Have a membranous ligule, rough leaf blades, and a hairless leaf sheath.

Leaves
Leaves are up to 6 inches in length and less than 5 mm in width. The ligule is membranous and usually 1 to 3 mm in length. Leaf tips are pointed and can be sharp. No auricles are present.

Stems
Occasionally bent but usually erect.

Flowers
Seedheads are cylindrical panicles that may reach as much as 2 inches in length.

Roots
Fibrous root system.

Identifying Characteristics
Carolina foxtail can be a common winter annual grass found in cultivated fields throughout the Midwest. Little Barley (Hordeum pusillum) may appear similar but generally has a very small, almost indistinguishable, membranous ligule unlike Carolina foxtail.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Carolina Foxtail

Alopecurus carolinianus

Trouble identifying a weed?