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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Orange Foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis) 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 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

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Ozark Highlands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 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 Orange Foxtail? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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