Plant · GBIF taxon 5289666
giant foxtail
Setaria faberiAlso 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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic
Predators
- Songbirds
- Small Rodents
- Grasshoppers
ThreatsHerbicide use, soil cultivation, habitat clearing
HabitatsCroplands, roadsides, pastures, disturbed soils
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPoales
- FamilyPoaceae
- GenusSetaria
- SpeciesSetaria faberi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Carter Dorscht · cc0
Close Relative (c) Thomas Gyselinck, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Gyselinck · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Thomas Gyselinck, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Gyselinck · cc-by
Cultivated Relative Wikimedia Commons / Public domain · cc0
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