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Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow foxtail)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.6m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Alopecurus pratensis
Other names
Meadow foxtail, Blackgrass, Foxtail grass, Mountain foxtail, Golden foxtail
Genus
Alopecurus Alopecurus
Species
A. pratensis - A. pratensis is a long-lived, tufted perennial grass, with loose or compact tufts of green leafblades and in summer it has purplish-tan panicles of cylindric spike flowers. This grass can be harvested as hay.
Alopecurus pratensis is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
Flower
Purple, Insignificant or absent in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer; Green, Brown in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Rust Rust
General care
Pruning
Rake out dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring. Foxtail grass has small flower heads which drain the colour from the foliage- so it is best to clip them off. Cut back in early spring.
Propagation
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame when ripe. Divide in early summer.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow foxtail) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Gravel, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Alopecurus pratensis
Other names
Meadow foxtail, Blackgrass, Foxtail grass, Mountain foxtail, Golden foxtail
Genus
Alopecurus Alopecurus
Species
A. pratensis - A. pratensis is a long-lived, tufted perennial grass, with loose or compact tufts of green leafblades and in summer it has purplish-tan panicles of cylindric spike flowers. This grass can be harvested as hay.
Native to
Asia, Europe
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
Purple, Insignificant or absent in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer; Green, Brown in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Rake out dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring. Foxtail grass has small flower heads which drain the colour from the foliage- so it is best to clip them off. Cut back in early spring.
Propagation
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame when ripe. Divide in early summer.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow foxtail) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Gravel, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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Alopecurus pratensis
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