Meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis)

Meadow foxtail

The meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) belongs to the grass family (Poaceae) and normally flowers in Central Europe from May to July. Ripe seeds can be harvested from June to August, half-ripe ones a little earlier. The growth height of this species is between 30 cm and 120 cm. Occasionally there are specimens up to 150 cm high. During the flowering period, brownish threads of pollen hang from the spikes, reminiscent of a fox’s tail – hence the name of this grass species. It grows in meadows and pastures, but also along many roadsides, provided the soil is moist enough and rich in nutrients.

Many pet birds are very fond of meadow foxtail when flowering and half-ripe, whereas ripe seeds are usually accepted less enthusiastically. You can freeze or dry the half-ripe fruiting stems for the winter. However, not all birds are particularly fond of dried grasses.

You can find more photos of this species on NABU-naturgucker.de (German website, but also available in English language).