Fauna
Plant

Giant Foxtail

Setaria faberi

Also known as Japanese Bristlegrass, Chinese Foxtail, Nodding Foxtail, Giant Bristlegrass

Giant foxtail is a robust annual grass characterized by arching, bristly flower spikes that droop under the weight of ripening seeds. Its leaf blades feature distinct fine hairs on the upper surface near the stem, a reliable identification mark among wild grasses. Native to East Asia, it has spread globally as a persistent agricultural weed that thrives in sunny, disturbed soils.

AnnualGrassesAgricultural Weed
Giant Foxtail reference1 / 7
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
  • Songbirds
  • Small Rodents
  • Grasshoppers
ThreatsHerbicide use, soil cultivation, habitat clearing
HabitatsCroplands, roadsides, pastures, disturbed soils
Life span1 year
Classification
  1. OrderPoales
  2. FamilyPoaceae
  3. GenusSetaria
  4. SpeciesSetaria faberi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Pollen can trigger seasonal allergies in sensitized individuals during late summer blooms.
Responsible observation
  • Leaf Inspection: Check the upper side of the leaf blade for soft hairs to distinguish it from smaller foxtail species.
  • Pet Care: Avoid walking pets near dry seed heads, as stiff bristles can embed in fur, ears, or paws.
Related species
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