Foxtail Bristle-grass
Setaria italica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Setaria italica (Foxtail Bristle-grass) is a native grass found across most US states that blooms June through August in full sun with medium water needs.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Foxtail Bristle-grass as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Foxtail Bristle-grass
Grow Foxtail Bristle-grass in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Setaria italica bloom?
- Foxtail Bristle-grass blooms during the summer months of June, July, and August.
- What growing conditions does Foxtail Bristle-grass prefer?
- This native grass thrives in full sun locations with medium moisture levels and is adaptable across diverse climates.
- Where is Setaria italica native in the United States?
- Foxtail Bristle-grass is native to most US states, from Alabama and Florida in the southeast to Washington and California in the west, and from Maine to Wyoming across northern regions.
- Is Foxtail Bristle-grass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Foxtail Bristle-grass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Foxtail Bristle-grass HOA-friendly?
- Foxtail Bristle-grass 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 Foxtail Bristle-grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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