Setaria pumila
Yellow foxtail · Pigeon grass · Yellow Bristle-grass · Cattail grass · Yellow bristlegrass
Description
Source: leafsnapSetaria pumila is a species of grass known by many common names, including yellow foxtail, yellow bristle-grass, pigeon grass, and cattail grass. It is native to Europe, but it is known throughout the world as a common weed. It grows in lawns, sidewalks, roadsides, cultivated fields, and many other places. This annual grass grows 20 centimetres (8 inches) to well over 1 metre (1 yard) in height, its mostly hairless stems ranging from green to purple-tinged in color. The leaf blades are hairless on the upper surfaces, twisting, and up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) long. The inflorescence is a stiff, cylindrical bundle of spikelets 2 to 15 centimetres (3⁄4 to 6 inches) long with short, blunt bristles. The panicle may appear yellow or yellow-tinged. In New Zealand S. pumila can cover 20–40% of otherwise productive dairy farming pasture causing a loss in milk production.
🌳 Although often labeled a weed, yellow foxtail could be a source of biofuel. Scientific interest has grown in its ability to thrive on marginal soils, withstand drought, and produce substantial biomass that can be converted into ethanol. This adaptability creates an opportunity to turn a commonly overlooked plant into an environmentally friendly energy option.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
Yellow foxtail comes from well-lit, open habitats and does best in full sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade but favors direct sun for optimal growth. This plant, which can be annual or biennial, is known for its sun-loving nature.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Yellow Foxtail prefers warm conditions and originated in regions where temperatures range from 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It performs best at these temperatures and may require seasonal adjustments in cooler climates.
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
🪴 Soil 5-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Yellow Foxtail benefits from regular, light fertilizer applications to encourage healthy leaf growth. Fertilize Yellow Foxtail about once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is important for foliage, and adding nitrogen-rich sources helps Yellow Foxtail thrive.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Setaria
- Family
- Poaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 12
- Mature Height
- 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Pale Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Tan
- Flower Size
- 7.62 cm to 15.24 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer