Marsh foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus, Sp. Pl.: 60 (1753))

Family: Poaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 60 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alopecurus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Himalaya, Algeria

Description

Marsh foxtail is a versatile and resilient grass species known scientifically as Alopecurus geniculatus. Recognized and documented since 1753 by the famed botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species belongs to the Poaceae family, which is a significant and extensive family within the plant kingdom comprising a wide variety of grasses.

Native to a vast geographical range, Marsh foxtail thrives across Europe and extends its presence into the lofty Himalayas, and even reaches down into the warmer climes of Algeria. This widespread distribution is a testament to its hardy nature and adaptability to various environmental conditions.

The Marsh foxtail is characterized by its distinctive and somewhat charming appearance, which often includes nodding or bending stems that give the plant a unique profile. Its inflorescence, which takes on a foxtail-like structure, is both striking and characteristic of this species. This structure not only aids in its identification but also adds a touch of elegance to the landscapes it inhabits.

Typically found in moist and marshy environments, Alopecurus geniculatus plays a crucial role in these ecosystems. It contributes to the stabilization of soil in wet areas and provides essential habitat and food for various wildlife species. Furthermore, due to its resilience, it can often be found flourishing in both natural settings and areas that have been slightly disturbed by human activity.

Despite its widespread occurrence, the Marsh foxtail remains a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, partly due to its ecological importance and its wide adaptability range, from lowland marshes to mountainous regions.

In summary, Marsh foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus) is not only noteworthy for its historical botanical documentation but also for its ecological contributions and its ability to thrive across diverse landscapes from Europe to the Himalayas, and down into North Africa.

Common Names

Eng: floating foxtail, knee-joint foxtail, marsh foxtail, water foxtail, marsh meadow foxtail, water meadow foxtail
Deu: geknieter fuchsschwanz, knick-fuchsschwanz, knick-fuchsschwanzgras
Dan: knæbøjet rævehale
Nld: geknikte vossenstaart
Nno: knereverumpe
Nob: knereverumpe
Swe: kärrkavle, polvipuntarpää
Fin: polvipuntarpää
Nor: sktækra
Fra: vulpin genouillé, vulpin géniculé
Sme: jeaggeguppolsuoidni
Cym: cynffonwellt elinog, rhonwellt y cadno cymalog, rhonwellt y cadno nofiadwy
En: Marsh foxtail, Water foxtail, Floating foxtail, Knee-joint foxtail, Marsh meadow foxtail, Water meadow foxtail
Ca: Alopecur geniculat
Da: Knæbøjet rævehale
Nl: Geknikte vossenstaart
Fi: Polvipuntarpää
Fr: Vulpin genouillé, Vulpin géniculé
De: Geknieter Fuchsschwanz, Knick-Fuchsschwanz, Knick-Fuchsschwanzgras
It: Coda di topo ginocchiata
Se: Jeaggeguppolsuoidni
No: Sktækra
Nb: Knereverumpe
Nn: Knereverumpe
Pt-br: Capim-cauda-de-raposa-dobrado
Sv: Kärrkavle, Polvipuntarpää
Cy: Cynffonwellt Elinog, Rhonwellt y Cadno Cymalog, Rhonwellt y Cadno Nofiadwy

Synonyms

• Alopecurus geniculatus var. bulbosus (Gray)
• Alopecurus geniculatus f. aquaticus (Holmb.)
• Alopecurus palustris (Syme)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. viridis (Neilr.)
• Alopecurus nothus (R.Arndt)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. pumila (Vasey)
• Alopecurus aristulosus (Desv.)
• Alopecurus geniculatus f. normanii (Neuman)
• Alopecurus pallescens (Piper)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. patagonicus (Parodi)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. aquaticus (Schltdl.)
• Alopecurus palustris subsp. geniculatus ((L.) Syme)
• Alopecurus australis (Nees)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. natans (Noulet)
• Alopecurus subaristatus (Pursh)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. salinus (Blytt)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. strictus (Andersson)
• Alopecurus bulbosus (With.)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. virens (Peterm.)
• Tozzettia geniculata ((L.) Bubani)
• Alopecurus geniculatus var. vinealis (Neilr.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Amur (introduced)
• Antipodean Is. (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Crozet Is. (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Falkland Is. (introduced)
• Greenland (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Kerguelen (introduced)
• Kuril Is. (introduced)
• Labrador (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Marion-Prince Edward (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Sakhalin (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• South Georgia (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)
• Yukon (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 25, 2020 by Mihai Ionita (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2020 by Mihai Ionita (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2020 by Mihai Ionita (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Michael Moores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Olive Prov (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by Richard Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by eyal dolev (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 9, 2019 by pnst Eno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Robin Rearahinagh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2019 by sitrul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Rowena Pattenson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Joseph THIRY (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 20, 2021 by Easger Aukema (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Easger Aukema (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:387091-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5290090)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alopecurus geniculatus L.)

Specifications

Growth