Foxtail grasses, known for their bristly seed heads, do grow in Florida. While the species that cause the most alarm are less common than in the Western United States, Florida hosts several common foxtail species from the genus Setaria that can still pose a risk. The term “foxtail” refers to grass varieties whose seed heads resemble a fox’s tail and feature sharp, barbed awns. These grasses are considered problematic weeds that can impact both landscaping and the health of pets due to the structure of their seeds.
Identifying Foxtail Grasses in Florida
The foxtail varieties most frequently seen in Florida belong to the Setaria genus, including species like yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila) and green foxtail (Setaria viridis). These grasses are clump-forming summer annuals that emerge in late spring or early summer once soil temperatures rise. They are often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, agricultural fields, and weedy lawns.
The visual cue is the distinctive, bristly seed head, which gives the plant its name. These seed heads, or panicles, are cylindrical and develop from mid-summer into the fall. As the plant matures and dries out, these seed heads become stiffer and easily detach, increasing their potential for causing irritation.
The Specific Hazards of Foxtails
The danger associated with foxtail grasses lies in the structure of the seed, or grass awn, which is designed for one-way movement. The awns are covered in microscopic barbs that act like a ratchet, allowing them to easily move forward through tissue but preventing them from backing out. Once a seed becomes lodged, any muscle movement will only drive it deeper into the body.
Foxtails pose a threat to pets, as the seeds readily attach to fur and find their way into bodily openings. Common entry points include the ears, nose, eyes, and the spaces between the toes and paw pads. Inhaled awns can migrate into the nasal passages, while seeds embedded in the skin can burrow inward, creating a draining tract.
Once inside, the grass awn carries bacteria, which can lead to abscesses, infection, and inflammation. The durable seed resists breaking down, allowing it to continue traveling through soft tissue, sometimes reaching the lungs or abdomen. Symptoms often include persistent sneezing, head shaking, excessive licking, or non-healing sores, all of which require prompt veterinary intervention.
Prevention and Removal Strategies
Managing foxtail grass centers on eliminating the seed heads before they dry out and detach. For small patches, physical removal is effective and involves manually pulling or digging up the entire plant, including the root system. This should be completed early in the season before the seeds develop and mature.
Regular mowing is another control method, as it prevents the grass from developing seed heads that can spread. Mowing should be done frequently to keep the grass short and interrupt the reproductive cycle. Chemical control options, such as pre-emergent herbicides applied in the late fall or early spring, can help prevent germination.
For pet owners, mitigating risk involves careful inspection following any outdoor activity in grassy areas. Thoroughly check a pet’s coat, paying close attention to the ears, nose, and the webbing between the toes, which are common hiding spots. Removing any visible seeds immediately prevents them from burrowing into the skin or entering an orifice.