Shortawn Foxtail, Sonoma shortawn foxtail
Alopecurus aequalis

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Alopecurus aequalis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Wet meadows and the edges of ponds and ditches.

Much of Europe, including Britain, to N. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - cooked. It can be used whole like millet, but is more usually ground into a flour and used with other cereals in making bread etc. The seed is small and fiddly, it is very much a famine food.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The whole plant is antiphlogistic, depurative and diuretic. It is used in the treatment of oedema, chickenpox and snakebites.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs. This species is a weed of cultivated cereals and can harbour pests common to cultivated crops.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in situ in April and only just covering it.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Bog Garden;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. fulvus.