Alopecurus geniculatus
Alopecurus geniculatus · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant alopecurus geniculatus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Type
- Annual or winter herbaceous grass
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, tender green
- Flowering
- April to June
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to −15°C
- Origin
- Europe, Asia and North Africa
- Soil preference
- Moist to very moist, rather clayey
Care
Light exposure
Meadow foxtail thrives in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates slightly shaded areas well in warm climates. Choose an open location for even growth and generous flowering.
Watering
This grass loves moist environments and needs constantly fresh soil. Maintain regular moisture without excessive waterlogging. It grows well in low-lying areas, ditches or wet meadows where it occurs naturally.
Soil
Meadow foxtail prefers clayey, silty or peaty soils, rich in organic matter. It adapts to compacted soils and marshy areas. Well-drained soil at the surface but fresh in depth is ideal.
Fertilization
Not very demanding, it generally requires no added fertilizer. In poor soil or intensive cultivation, a light application of compost in spring is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote loose foliage.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary in natural cultivation. In managed meadows, mowing after flowering (late June–July) promotes regeneration. Let the plant develop freely for its forage and ecological qualities.
Diseases and pests
Very robust, meadow foxtail is rarely affected by serious diseases. In prolonged very humid conditions, watch for rust or root rot, but this remains rare. It can be grown without pesticide treatment for ornamental use or as forage.
Did you know?
Meadow foxtail gets its common name from the word 'geniculate' because its stems form knees or characteristic joints at the base, facilitating growth in waterlogged soils. Historically, it was one of the first grasses domesticated and valued in agriculture as quality forage for livestock in wet areas, particularly in England where its resilience in marshy terrain made it an essential species of natural meadows.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.