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
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.
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)