Carolina foxtail (Alopecurus carolinianus, Fl. Carol.: 74 (1788))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Walter

Bibliography: Fl. Carol.: 74 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alopecurus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. & C. Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Carolina foxtail, also known scientifically as Alopecurus carolinianus, is a species of grass that is notable for its widespread presence across Canada and the United States. This species was first described in the seminal botanical work “Flora Caroliniana” by Thomas Walter in 1788, a testament to its long-recognized significance in North American flora.

Belonging to the Poaceae family, which is commonly referred to as the grass family, Carolina foxtail shares familial characteristics such as narrow leaves and flowering heads, which make it identifiable among other grasses. The Poaceae family is one of the largest and most important plant families globally, encompassing thousands of species that play crucial roles in both natural ecosystems and agriculture.

Carolina foxtail typically thrives in a variety of habitats, demonstrating a strong adaptability to different environmental conditions found from the colder regions of Canada to the diverse climates of the United States. Its resilience and adaptability contribute to its broad distribution range across these territories.

In its natural habitat, Carolina foxtail can be seen contributing to the local ecology, providing cover and food for various wildlife. It is a cool-season annual grass, which means it completes its life cycle within a year and primarily grows during the cooler months of the year. The flowering heads of Carolina foxtail resemble a fox’s tail, which gives the plant its common name.

Walter’s detailed examination and subsequent documentation of Carolina foxtail in “Flora Caroliniana” has ensured that this species is well-understood in terms of its morphology, habitat preferences, and geographical distribution. This foundational work continues to support botanists and ecologists in the study and conservation of grass species throughout North America.

Common Names

Eng: tufted foxtail, carolina foxtail, annual foxtail, tufted meadow foxtail
Fra: vulpin de caroline
En: Carolina foxtail, Tufted Meadow-Foxtail, Tufted Foxtail, Annual foxtail, Tufted meadow foxtail
Ar: ثعلبية كارولينا
Fr: Vulpin de Caroline

Synonyms

• Alopecurus ramosus (Poir.)
• Alopecurus pedatus (Steud.)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. caespitosus (Scribn.)
• Alopecurus macounii (Vasey)
• Alopecurus pedalis (Bosc ex P.Beauv.)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. ramosus ((Poir.) H.St.John)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Habit

Taken Dec 6, 2015 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 6, 2015 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5290094)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:387058-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alopecurus carolinianus Walter)

Specifications

Growth