Bayshore/ Perennial Foxtail

COMMON NAME: Perennial Foxtail

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Knotroot, Bristlegrass

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Setaria geniculata 

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Bayshore

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 6 to 16 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Mid-July to October

FRUITING TIME: Mid-July to late October

DISTRIBUTION: Massachusetts to West Virginia and mid-western states ~ Local on Piedmont and throughout coastal plain usually outside the Pine Barrens in NJ

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Short coarse, spikelets surrounded by bristly head, grows in clumps ~ Propagates by both seeds and rhizomes, short knotty rhizomes ~ Leaves green with purple tinge, flat

GENERAL INFORMATION: In ancient times and continuing to today this plant family (Poaceae), commonly known as grasses, have stood between mankind and starvation.  For thousands of years grasses have provided food we eat (wheat, rice, corn, sugar cane, and more) and food for our domestic livestock.  In earlier times grasses were used to make thatched roofs, mats for floors, bedding, and kitchen utensils.  Indeed, some made an entire house of a grass species--bamboo--including water-piping, ladders and furniture. In early man’s culture, selected grasses were used as writing tools and  reeds provided flutes and similar musical instruments.  Dyed grasses played an ornamental role as part of costumes worn for ceremonial occasions.  Incense was made from selected grasses. The head of Perennial Foxtail resembles a Fox’s tail and is also reminiscent of a bristles, thus the common names Perennial Foxtail or Bristlegrass.  The plant has knotty rhizomes, thus the common name Knotroot. Birds and rodents eat the seeds of Perennial Foxtail.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.