Foxtail Bristle-grass
Setaria italica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Foxtail bristle-grass is an annual grass that grows 2-4 feet tall with distinctive bottlebrush-like seed heads that appear in summer. This fast-growing grass forms upright clumps and is often used for wildlife habitat and erosion control.
In an HOA neighborhood
Foxtail Bristle-grass 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.
- Common name includes 'bristle-grass' which sounds weedy to HOAs
- Annual growth habit means gaps in plantings
- Seed heads can appear unkempt as they mature and disperse
Wildlife value
The seed heads provide food for birds, particularly finches and sparrows. As a grass species, it offers nesting material and shelter for small wildlife.
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.
Does Foxtail Bristle-grass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.