Alopecurus pratensis L.
Golden Foxtail Grass
Meadow foxtail is a native perennial grass and one of the earliest to flower, often colouring damp meadows in spring before most other grasses get going. It grows in loose tufts of upright stems with broad, flat leaves, topped by soft, dense, cylindrical flower heads shaped like a fox's tail; as the tiny flowers open, their stamens give the spikes a soft purple-and-yellow shimmer.
About
Meadow foxtail is a native perennial grass and one of the earliest to flower, often colouring damp meadows in spring before most other grasses get going. It grows in loose tufts of upright stems with broad, flat leaves, topped by soft, dense, cylindrical flower heads shaped like a fox's tail; as the tiny flowers open, their stamens give the spikes a soft purple-and-yellow shimmer.
It favours fertile, moisture-retentive soils in meadows, pastures, river floodplains, verges and other open grassland in full sun. An early and productive grass, it provides nutritious grazing and hay and, as it flowers ahead of many wildflowers, offers structure and shelter for insects early in the season. It is widely included in traditional hay-meadow and floodplain-meadow seed mixes, where it sets the framework for a diverse sward on richer, damper ground.
Also known as
Meadow Foxtail · Perennial Foxtail · Yellow Foxtail Grass · field foxtail
Synonyms
Alopecurus alpestris · Alopecurus alpinus songaricus · Alopecurus alpinus ventricosus · Alopecurus caudicans · Alopecurus eupratensis · Alopecurus eupratensis alpestris · Alopecurus pratensis acrochaetus
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.