As winter greens and spring fades the hillsides of the Anza Valley, a familiar plant goes through its yearly cycle - one that brings beauty to open fields but serious risk to local pets.Foxtail grass, a common wild plant throughout inland Southern California, has emerged across roadsides, trails and pastures. While easily overlooked, veterinarians warn that the plant’s seeds can cause severe injuries to dogs, cats and livestock if left unchecked.
What is foxtail grass?
“Foxtail” is not a single species but a general name used for several grasses that produce bristled seed heads resembling a fox’s tail. In the Anza Valley region, the most common culprits belong to the genus Hordeum (foxtail barley) and Bromus (brome grasses), annual grasses widespread in dry Western climates.
