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Marsh Foxtail

Alopecurus geniculatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Marsh Foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus)
Photo: Amédée Masclef / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Marsh Foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus) 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 Marsh Foxtail as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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 437 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

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsCentral Great PlainsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Marsh foxtail is a native grass that thrives in wet areas and produces distinctive cylindrical flower spikes from late spring through summer. This compact perennial grass forms neat clumps and tolerates consistently moist to wet soil conditions better than most lawn grasses.

In an HOA neighborhood

Marsh 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.

  • Requires consistently wet soil conditions that are uncommon in typical landscapes
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt compared to traditional turf grasses
  • May spread aggressively in suitable wet conditions

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and flies during the long blooming period from May through August. Seeds provide food for various birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Marsh Foxtail need?
Marsh Foxtail grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Marsh Foxtail bloom?
Marsh Foxtail blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Marsh Foxtail native?
Marsh Foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Marsh Foxtail toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Marsh Foxtail as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Marsh Foxtail attract?
Marsh Foxtail draws bees and flies.
Is Marsh Foxtail HOA-friendly?
Marsh 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.

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

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