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Description
Alopecurus Aequalis, commonly known as Shortawn Foxtail or Meadow Foxtail, is a perennial grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, but it has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is considered an invasive species.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Alopecurus |
Appearance
Shortawn Foxtail is a clump-forming grass that can grow up to 60 cm in height. Its leaves are narrow and flat, with a rough texture, and can grow up to 20 cm long. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical spike with short awns that give the plant its common name. The spike can grow up to 15 cm long and is usually green, turning brown as it matures.
Care Guide
To care for Alopecurus Aequalis, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: Shortawn Foxtail prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: This grass species does not require a lot of fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can help it grow better.Soil: Alopecurus Aequalis prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, but it grows best in slightly acidic soils.Sunlight: This grass species prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Shortawn Foxtail is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Shortawn Foxtail is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as rust and smut, as well as by insect pests such as aphids and armyworms.
Habitat
Alopecurus Aequalis is commonly found in damp meadows, wetlands, and along streams and ditches. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Shortawn Foxtail a good choice for my garden?
A: It depends on the conditions in your garden. If you have a moist area, Shortawn Foxtail can be a good choice. However, if your soil is dry or your garden is in a hot and dry area, you should choose a different grass species.
Q: Is Shortawn Foxtail invasive?
A: Yes, Shortawn Foxtail can be invasive in some areas, especially in North America, where it is not native.
Q: How can I control the spread of Shortawn Foxtail?
A: To control the spread of Shortawn Foxtail, you should remove any seed heads before they mature and spread seeds. You can also mow the grass regularly to prevent it from spreading.
Q: Can I use Shortawn Foxtail for erosion control?
A: Yes, Shortawn Foxtail can be used for erosion control, especially in wet areas where other grass species may not grow well.
Related Plants
Other grass species in the Alopecurus genus include:
- Alopecurus Pratensis (Meadow Foxtail)
- Alopecurus Geniculatus (Water Foxtail)
- Alopecurus Myosuroides (Black-grass)
References
- USDA Plants Database: Alopecurus Aequalis
- The Morton Arboretum: Alopecurus Aequalis
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Alopecurus Aequalis
