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Carolina Foxtail

Alopecurus carolinianus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Carolina Foxtail (Alopecurus carolinianus)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–24" H × 2"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Carolina foxtail is a low-growing annual grass that forms small clumps with narrow leaves and soft, cylindrical flower spikes. It blooms from May through July, producing fuzzy seed heads that give it its foxtail name. This native grass typically stays under 2 feet tall and has a relatively short growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Annual growth means gaps and bare spots in landscaping
  • Grass-like appearance may be perceived as weedy
  • Inconsistent presence year to year typical of annuals

Wildlife value

As a native grass, it provides seeds for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife. The plant serves as habitat for various insects during its growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Foxtail need?
Carolina Foxtail grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Carolina Foxtail bloom?
Carolina Foxtail blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Carolina Foxtail native?
Carolina Foxtail (Alopecurus carolinianus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Carolina Foxtail toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Foxtail as toxic to livestock.
Is Carolina Foxtail HOA-friendly?
Carolina 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Carolina Foxtail? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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