Setaria viridis
grassy weedUSDA zones 3–10Active: summerSummer annual with distinctive fuzzy seed heads that resemble a fox tail. Common in thin or newly seeded lawns and along edges.
Fuzzy, cylindrical seed heads; flat, twisted leaf blades; grows upright to 2-3 feet if unmowed; hairy at leaf base.
Prevent seed production by mowing before the fuzzy seed heads emerge.
When: Mow in early-mid summer before seed heads appear
Foxtail invades thin areas. Overseed and fertilize to maintain dense coverage.
When: Fall overseeding
Pull young plants before seed production. Annual species that dies with frost.
When: Pull in early summer when plants are small
Spring-applied pre-emergent prevents foxtail germination.
When: Apply when soil temperature reaches 55F (soil ≥ 55°F)
Active ingredient: Prodiamine — e.g. Barricade
Effective post-emergent for young foxtail plants.
When: Apply to young foxtail before 3 tillers
Active ingredient: Quinclorac — e.g. Drive XLR8
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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