Meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) is an erect, tufted, leafy perennial grass. It has long cylindrical flower heads with short silky hairs, appearing like a foxes tail, which it was named after. A. pratensis is native to Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to most temperate grassland regions worldwide and is found throughout North and South America and Australia.
Toxic components
A. pratensis contains sharp, barbed bristles or spines on the seed heads which can cause mechanical injury to horses upon consumption. Lesions are often seen in the mouth, and can cause pain and reluctance to eat. Deep ulcerations of the tongue, gums and cheeks may lead to abscesses. Problems usually occur when hay is cut late and a substantial number of foxtail panicles are present.
- Blistered Mouth
- Hypersalivation
MANUAL CONTROL: Turn the soil by digging under the foxtails with a shovel and turning the plants under the soil, packing them down and cutting them off of sunlight. Work at night, dawn or dusk. There is speculation that turning the soil exposes foxtails to a bright flash of light, thereby stimulatin
