Alopecurus arundinaceus (Creeping meadow foxtail)

Cool season, long-lived, perennial sod-former adapted to wet or periodically wet soils such as meadows, waterways and ranges. Strongly rhizomatous. Withstands periodic flooding for up to 45 days. High forage producer compared to other grasses adapted to wet soils. More productive than Meadow foxtail (A. pratensis). Tolerates acidic and saline soils and is palatable and nutritious. Frequently used as pasture grass on wet meadows. Varieties listed below.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

Alopecurus arundinaceus (Garrison creeping foxtail).png

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Poaceae

Duration: Perennial, long-lived

Growth Habit: Graminoid

Native Status: Introduced

Season: Cool season

Growth Form: Rhizomatous

Mature Height: 36 in.

Annual Precipitation: 18-70 in.

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Elevation: up to 9,000 ft.

Wetland Indicator Status: FAC

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: High

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: No

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: Yes

Salinity Tolerance: High

CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

pH Range: 5.5-8.4


SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 786,000

Seeding Rate: 3-4 PLS lbs/acre

Season: Spring/Fall

Days to Germination:


VARIETIES

Garrison - Establishes and persists on soils from sands to poorly drained clays. High moisture tolerance and dense, vigorous rhizomes make it excellent for streambank and shoreline erosion. Tolerant of moderate salinity. Withstands heavy grazing pressure and is extremely winter-hardy, even at high elevations. Excellent forage quality throughout its growing season. Grazing animals prefer it to Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). (Released 1963, origin: McLean County, ND, from former USSR)