Giant Foxtail

Giant foxtail (Setaria faberi) seed heads. Photo: Betty Marose

Updated: June 16, 2023

Life cycle

Giant foxtail (Setaria faberi) is a non-native summer annual grass.

Grows up to 5' tall; produces a bristly, spike-like seedhead; leaves and seed head are arching

Seeds

Untended and unmowed open areas

Giant foxtail leaf collar showing the hairy ligule and leaf sheath

Photo: Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Giant foxtail has a spike-like flower.

Photo: Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Growth habit of giant foxtail

Photo: Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Mow before seed heads form.

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