Southern California has witnessed sporadic rain showers with sunny days to follow, then more drizzle, then more sun, and so on. This type of weather breeds an onslaught of many species of weeds. One of the most irritating weeds is the foxtail. The species of foxtail found in Southern California is the Setaria viridis (green foxtail). A fancy name for an incredibly annoying plant.

There are three types of foxtail: Yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila), the smallest of the Setaria species; green foxtail, found in our backyards; and the giant foxtail (Setaria faberi), which can grow up to almost a foot tall. In Southern California, we only need address the green foxtail.

Foxtail is considered a grass. The type of foxtail found in Southern California is also known as foxtail green bristlegrass and wild millet. This grass is considered a relative of a native Eurasia weed and is an invasive species closely related to the Setaria faberi, a very noxious weed. It has been determined that the majority of invasive plant species like foxtail were introduced to North America by hitchhiking on ships from Europe, disguised with alfalfa, hay or some other grain.

All species of foxtail grow in moist or dry soil and tolerate a broad range of environmental conditions. This grass has wide leaf blades with fine hairs and a stem that rises from the collar at the base of the leaf. It reproduces by seed, mostly distributed by wind, or by brushing against the plant loosening the flower. Stems bear 3- to 10-inch-long spikes of flowers that yield the seeds to propagate at the end of their season. It begins low to the ground, with its leaves parallel to the soil, sometimes making it difficult to detect from lawn grass and dandelions. Then the next thing you know, it’s everywhere.

When researching this obnoxious species, several descriptions of exactly where they can grow popped up as “pastures, lawns, cropland, orchards, vineyards, gardens, ditches, along the roadsides…” I had a good laugh at that description. Why not just say, “They invade everywhere.” Because that’s what this grass does. Especially in the spring and summer, you can find this plant in every nook and cranny of Southern California, not to mention your socks, the dog’s paws and ears, the horse’s nose.

The foxtail is one of the most dangerous plants to animals, especially dogs. Dogs get the spiky, dry flowers in their ears, eyes, between their toe pads and even under their skin, not to mention digesting them, a situation that is expensive to eradicate from your pet by your veterinarian. Even humans get these weeds stuck in their socks, shoes and clothing while hiking or just trying to garden in their own backyard.

Here’s a tip to get rid of this invasive plant without harming the environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated that “vinegar kills green foxtail, especially when the weed is young. During the first two weeks after green foxtail emerges, pour or spray a 5- to 10-percent vinegar solution on the weed. Household distilled white vinegar typically is a 5-percent solution. If the weeds are older, you might need a stronger solution, such as 20 percent.” Garden supply stores often stock these percentages, but be sure to wear protective gear such as long sleeves, gloves and eye protection so you don’t splash the highly acidic solution on yourself. Vinegar is non-selective, so keep as much off the grass as possible or paint it on the foxtail if there’s no other way to avoid the grass.

If you have as much acreage as I do, you’d need gallons of vinegar to conquer the foxtail invasion. But it’s worth the risk to try. It’s either that or purchase or rent a herd of goats that can digest anything.

It appears that eradicating invasive species of any plant is extremely difficult, but you should do what you can to keep our environment in its purest form possible.

Mari Carbajal is a docent-naturalist at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center.

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