Overview
Setaria faberi is a summer annual grass in the grass family, growing 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) tall on stout, branching stems. The flat leaf blades are 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long and 0.3-0.8 inch (8-20 mm) wide, with short hairs on the upper surface and a roughened margin. From midsummer into fall each stem produces a dense, cylindrical seed head 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long that nods and arches at the tip, clothed in slender green to tan bristles that give foxtails their name. Each plant sets thousands of seeds, which fall near the parent and remain viable in soil for several years. It germinates in warm soil through late spring and summer, grows quickly, and completes its life cycle in a single season before frost kills it. The species is native to eastern Asia and has become a widespread weed of corn, soybean, and other row crops as well as roadsides and disturbed ground across North America. Its rapid growth, heavy seeding, and competition with crops are its defining traits, and it has no role as an intentional planting.
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia, particularly China and Japan, and now naturalized as a weed across much of temperate North America and elsewhere.Suggested Uses
The species has no ornamental or intentional planting use and is treated as an agricultural weed. Where it appears in fields and disturbed soil, management focuses on preventing seed set rather than cultivation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to tanFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs