Bristly foxtail
(Setaria verticillata)

Overview

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The species Setaria verticillata can cause great reductions in crop yield and has shown resistance to Atrazine® and related herbicides. Bristly foxtail is an annual grass that is loosely tuffed and reproduces solely by seed. The recent increase of bristly foxtail in cultivated fields raises the level of importance for scouting this specific species of grassy weed, in order to provide the adequate control measures.

Main description 

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Seedling
The seedling has membranous ligules that are ciliate (surrounded with a ring of hairs).

Mature plant

The leaves of the mature plant are hairy and auricles remain absent. The mature bristly foxtail can range in height from 30-80 cm, with stems growing erect. Flowers have spike-like panicles that flower from July through September. 

Optimal growth conditions

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The grassy weed S. verticillata can grow in a wide variety of soils, from low to high fertility, as well as a pH range from 6-8, thus indicating a high level of resilience of this weed.