SafePlants

Alopecurus arundinaceus: Creeping Meadow Foxtail

Alopecurus arundinaceus, commonly known as creeping meadow foxtail or creeping foxtail, is a perennial grass prized for its adaptability to wet conditions and use as forage.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alopecurus arundinaceus
• Common Names: creeping meadow foxtail, creeping foxtail, Garrison creeping foxtail, Garrison foxtail
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Genus: Alopecurus L.
• Synonyms: Alopecurus ventricosus
• Author Citation: Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Eurasia.
• Introduced to other regions as a forage plant.
• Occupies wet locations, such as pond edges in the Max, Douglas, and Garrison areas.
• Adapted to wet or periodically wet soils such as meadows, waterways, or ranges in the subalpine zone.
• Found in low-lying or wet areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Rhizomatous perennial species.
• Long-lived sod-former, meaning it spreads and forms a dense mat.
• More vigorous rhizomes and broader leaves than meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis).
• Cool-season graminoid.

Ecological Role

• Very competitive forage that can out-compete less adapted forages in many situations.
• Can be used for erosion control along ditches.

Uses

• Primarily grown for livestock forage (pasture, hay, silage).
• Palatable to all classes of livestock.
• Provides forage, cover, and nesting for wildlife.

History

• The original Garrison plants were collected near Max, North Dakota, in 1950.
• Introduced in the early 1900s, it now occupies many pond edges and wet locations.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Dave's Garden
• South Dakota State University
• University of Wyoming
• ABMI species summary for Alopecurus arundinaceus.