About

Alopecurus myosuroides is an annual grass that develops clumps reaching heights of up to 80 cm. Its leaves are slender and have a rough surface, growing as long as 16 cm. In summer, it produces yellow-green spikelets that can extend to 12 cm in length. This species is primarily regarded as a weed in the UK.

About the genus

Alopecurus includes both annual and perennial grasses that develop clumps of narrow leaves. The upright stems support dense, spike-like clusters of small flowers that appear in late spring and summer.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Grass Like
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows well in any moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Considered a weed in the UK. See coarse grasses in lawns for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to a rust