How to Grow Meadow Foxtail
iNaturalist
Meadow Foxtail
Schedonorus inermis
grassMeadow foxtail is a cool-season perennial grass native to Europe and western Asia, commonly used in pastures, hay production, and erosion control. It produces distinctive cylindrical seed heads and establishes quickly with deep roots. The grass is highly palatable to livestock and provides excellent forage quality.
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Example Meadow Foxtail timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Meadow Foxtail
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Meadow Foxtail
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Meadow Foxtail dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in cooler regions (zones 3-6)
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Get my Meadow Foxtail timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
7-14 days to emergence; 2-3 weeks to established seedlingsTiny grass shoots emerge with first true leaves appearing. Plants are delicate and susceptible to competition.
Maintain consistent soil moisture. Avoid heavy traffic. Remove competing weeds. Keep soil temperature above 50°F for best germination.
Early Vegetative
3-5 weeksGrass tillers develop (side shoots), creating a fuller root system and shoot structure. Height reaches 4-8 inches.
Begin light grazing if in pasture (2-3 inches of foliage remaining). Avoid overgrazing. Fertilize with nitrogen if soil is poor.
Late Vegetative to Boot Stage
2-3 weeksSeed heads form within the leaf sheath. Plant reaches 12-18 inches tall with dense tiller development.
Cease grazing if managing for seed production. Apply nitrogen fertilizer if harvesting for hay. Manage moisture carefully to prevent disease.
Flowering & Seed Head Emergence
2-4 weeksDistinctive cylindrical, spike-like seed heads emerge from leaf sheaths, appearing bristly and compact. Heads are purple-tinged initially, turning golden.
Do not graze during this stage if seed production is desired. For hay harvest, cut when seed heads are fully emerged but before complete maturity.
Seed Maturity & Dormancy
2-3 weeks to seed maturity; dormancy followsSeed heads turn brown and dry. Seeds are fully mature and ready for dispersal. Plant enters dormancy in late summer.
Harvest for seed if desired. Allow some seed head drop for natural reseeding. Begin preparing for dormancy by reducing inputs.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for damage; use natural predators or insecticides if populations exceed economic threshold. Maintain grass vigor through proper management.
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Manage through proper mowing height and avoiding water stress. Biological controls or targeted insecticides if severe infestation occurs.
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Ensure rapid establishment to outcompete pests. Monitor seedlings and use resistant varieties if available.
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Remove infected seed heads before flowering. Avoid high nitrogen in late season. Use fungicide if necessary before flowering.
Uses
Livestock Feed & Pasture
CulinaryMeadow foxtail is highly palatable and nutritious for cattle, sheep, horses, and other grazing animals. It provides excellent digestible energy and protein, particularly in the vegetative growth stages before seed head emergence. [source]
Hay Production
HouseholdThe grass produces high-quality hay when harvested at the proper growth stage. It is commonly mixed with legumes to create balanced forage for winter feeding. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food
WildlifeSeeds and shoots provide food for birds and small wildlife. Dense sods offer nesting sites and shelter for grassland species. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdDeep fibrous root system stabilizes soil and prevents erosion on slopes, stream banks, and disturbed areas. Often used in land reclamation projects. [source]
Ornamental & Ecological Landscaping
CraftThe distinctive seed heads and fine foliage make it attractive in naturalized landscapes, meadow gardens, and prairie restoration projects. Adds texture and movement to designed plantings. [source]
Harvest Tips
For hay: Cut when seed heads are fully emerged but still green (boot to early head stage) for best forage quality, typically late spring or early summer. For pasture: Allow regrowth to 3-4 inches before grazing; stop grazing when foliage is grazed to 2 inches. For seed: Allow full maturation to brown stage, then harvest with combine or mechanical harvester. Seeds typically mature 80-100 days after spring growth initiation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Meadow foxtail is one of the earliest-growing cool-season grasses, often breaking dormancy in late winter and providing valuable early-spring grazing when other forage is scarce.
- 🌱 The name 'foxtail' refers to the distinctive cylindrical seed head that resembles a fox's tail; the scientific name 'inermis' means 'unarmed,' distinguishing it from related species with barbed or bristly seed heads.
- 🌱 The grass can live 5-10 years or longer, forming persistent stands that improve in forage quality and livestock acceptance as the sod matures.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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