Yellow foxtail is a warm-season annual that
reproduces by seeds that germinate at temperatures between 68 and
95°F. Yellow foxtail forms a coarse, upright or prostrate, bunch-type
grass. It usually branches at the base and may root at lower nodes.
Growing up to 4 feet tall, yellow foxtail emerges from a shallow,
fibrous root system and normally has flattened stems that are reddish
near the base. Leaves of yellow foxtail are flat, smooth, and with
margins that are somewhat rough. They grow 2 to 12 inches long and
up to 1/2 inch wide. Twisted or spiraled hairs, 1/8 inch long, usually
appear near the base on the upper surface. The sheath is flattened
with a prominent midvein. The flowers are cylindrical, dense, bristly,
and erect. They are 2 to 5 inches long, yellow, spike-like, and
appear June to September.
Occurrence - Yellow foxtail occurs in moist, fertile
soil during the mid to late growing season and is often found in
spring establishments, open turf, or bare spots.
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Non-Chemical Control – To control yellow
foxtail without chemicals, mechanically remove or hand pull. Maintain
turf density and health through proper culture; avoid close mowing
and summer fertilization.
Chemical
Control - Apply preemergence herbicides one to two weeks
prior to germination in the late spring or summer; use postemergence
herbicides when weeds are small.
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