How much sun does Alpine Foxtail need?

Alpine Foxtail grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Alpine Foxtail bloom?

Alpine Foxtail blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Alpine Foxtail native?

Alpine Foxtail (Alopecurus magellanicus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Alpine Foxtail toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alpine Foxtail as toxic to livestock.

Is Alpine Foxtail HOA-friendly?

Alpine Foxtail takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Alpine Foxtail

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Alopecurus magellanicus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alpine Foxtail (Alopecurus magellanicus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Alpine Foxtail as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies North American Deserts

Alpine foxtail is a compact native grass that forms small, neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. This high-altitude species produces delicate flower spikes during summer months and stays quite short, making it suitable for rock gardens or as an accent plant.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alpine Foxtail takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very small size makes it appear insignificant in typical landscaping
Alpine specialist may struggle at lower elevations
Limited availability makes replacement difficult

Wildlife value

This grass provides nectar for bees during its summer blooming period. Its small stature limits its overall wildlife impact compared to larger native grasses.

Common questions

How much sun does Alpine Foxtail need?: Alpine Foxtail grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Alpine Foxtail bloom?: Alpine Foxtail blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Alpine Foxtail native?: Alpine Foxtail (Alopecurus magellanicus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Alpine Foxtail toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alpine Foxtail as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Alpine Foxtail attract?: Alpine Foxtail draws bees.
Is Alpine Foxtail HOA-friendly?: Alpine Foxtail takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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