Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) is a perennial grass native to Europe and Asia, thriving in temperate regions. It plays a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a pioneer species in wetland restoration projects due to its ability to establish quickly and stabilize soil. Its tufted growth and cylindrical flower spikes provide early-season forage for livestock, making it valuable in pasture systems. Meadow Foxtail is particularly effective in preventing soil erosion and improving soil structure in moist, fertile soils. It is often used in guilds with legumes like clover, which enhance nitrogen availability, and other grasses to create a diverse pasture ecosystem. Historically, it has been used in traditional farming systems for hay production and as a cover crop to suppress weeds.
Growing Details
Meadow Foxtail thrives in moist, fertile soils with good drainage. Prepare soil by incorporating organic matter to enhance fertility and structure. It can be sown in early spring or late summer. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and other pasture grasses for diversity. Avoid overgrazing to maintain plant health. Harvest for hay when seed heads are fully developed but before they shatter. Store ha
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Alopecurus pratensis</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and Asia
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of April for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of Jun for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of April
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses:
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns:
other uses: Used as forage for livestock and as a cover crop for soil improvement.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Alopecurus pratensis</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Alopecurus pratensis
common names: Meadow Foxtail; Field Foxtail; Common Foxtail
family: Poaceae
sub family: Pooideae
tribe: Aveneae
sub tribe:
genus: Alopecurus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Deciduous
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / -15ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(4/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Fast
max height: 1.0 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Meadow Foxtail thrives in moist, fertile soils with good drainage. Prepare soil by incorporating organic matter to enhance fertility and structure. It can be sown in early spring or late summer. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and other pasture grasses for diversity. Avoid overgrazing to maintain plant health. Harvest for hay when seed heads are fully developed but before they shatter. Store ha
Potential Disturbances: Meadow Foxtail is generally resistant to pests but can be affected by rusts and smuts in humid conditions. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphid populations. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help deter fungal infections. Use neem oil as an organic spray to manage fungal issues.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
Animals Interacting With This Plant
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Loading comments...