Rabbit-foot grass
Native to: Europe, Asia, and northern Africa
Rabbit-foot grass likely arrived in the United States as a contaminate of hay, straw bedding, packing materials, agricultural seed, etc. and possibly intentionally for ornamental plantings. It can now be found across much of North America. In Florida it can occasionally be found in disturbed sites with moist soil.
Family: Poaceae
Habit: Annual grass
Stem: Tufted, erect, to 2 ft. tall, often bent at nodes in lower stem.
Leaves: Blades flat, fine-lined, rough to touch, to 10 in. long, to 1/2 in. wide; ligules thin, to 1/2 in. long.
Flowers: Inflorescence at stem tip, resembles rabbit’s foot, very soft, bristly, 2-6 in. long, to 2 in. wide. spikelets many, with long, soft bristles.
Distribution in Florida: Throughout the state, but generally absent or unreported from the southeastern region from Indian River to Broward counties.
Each plant may produce over 100 seeds which can be spread by water and wind as well as wildlife – birds consume seed and seed may hitchhike on animal fur. Seeds remain viable in the soil for 1 to 5 years (NatureServe, 2012). While it hasn’t yet become highly problematic in Florida, it has been documented in other areas to create dense monotypic stands excluding native vegetation and lowering biodiversity.
Clean all clothing and equipment after working or recreating in infested areas.
Small infestations can be successfully dug out if done before plants have gone to seed.
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None known.
Likely to be effectively controlled by most grass-killing herbicides. Consult your local UF IFAS Extension Office for management recommendations.