Giant Foxtails
Giant foxtail is a fast-growing, summer annual grass that becomes especially noticeable near the end of summer and beginning of fall. Native to China, it is now found throughout the United States, thriving in compacted, fertile soils. The plant germinates in spring, develops in dense clumps, and has a fibrous root system.

The leaves of giant foxtail can reach up to 16 inches long and range from a half inch to one inch wide. A close look at the blades reveals fine hairs covering most of the upper surface and margins, except near the base. Its distinctive seed head – resembling a fox’s tail – gives the plant its name. This cylindrical, drooping inflorescence (flower and seed head) is made up of many spikelets (the flower cluster of grasses and sedges), each producing one to three bristles about a quarter inch to a half inch long. A single plant is capable of producing an average of 900 seeds, many of which can remain viable in the soil for decades.

Cultural Control
In landscapes, mulching is a simple first step. Because giant foxtail seeds will not germinate if buried more than one inch deep, regularly renewing mulch with clean material helps reduce infestations. In turf, maintaining a near-neutral soil pH is effective. Seeds remain dormant longer in soils close to pH 7 compared to more acidic conditions around pH 5. (A soil test can easily provide the pH of the property’s soil.) While most seeds sprout in the first year, some can persist in the soil for up to 30 years.

Treatment
Management of giant foxtail is most effective when started early in the season. Many pre-emergent grass weed products will provide control. If foxtail escapes pre-emergent treatments, Showcase LawnWorks offers post-emergent options that can be used to suppress established plants. Left untreated, giant foxtail grass can spread, multiple and take over a lawn.

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Reference: Chuck Schuster, Retired Extension Educator – University Maryland Extension TPM/IPM Weekly Report 9/19/25