How much sun does Orange Foxtail need?

Orange Foxtail grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Orange Foxtail bloom?

Orange Foxtail blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Orange Foxtail native?

Orange Foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Orange Foxtail toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Orange Foxtail attract?

Orange Foxtail draws bees and flies.

Is Orange Foxtail HOA-friendly?

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

Orange Foxtail

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Alopecurus aequalis

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–24" H × 2"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 32 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

Orange foxtail is a short annual grass that produces characteristic fuzzy, cylindrical flower spikes throughout the growing season. This compact native grass forms small clumps and typically stays under two feet tall, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces.

In an HOA neighborhood

Orange 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 cycle creates gaps and bare spots
Grass form may appear weedy to conventional landscaping standards
Requires replanting each year for consistent appearance

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and flies during the long blooming period from May through September. As a native grass, it also provides habitat and food sources for various insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Orange Foxtail need?: Orange Foxtail grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Orange Foxtail bloom?: Orange Foxtail blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Orange Foxtail native?: Orange Foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Orange Foxtail toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Orange Foxtail as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Orange Foxtail attract?: Orange Foxtail draws bees and flies.
Is Orange Foxtail HOA-friendly?: Orange 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 Orange Foxtail? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz