What do veterinarians and noxious weed specialists have in common? We’ve both been getting more inquiries about “foxtail” grasses. 

“Foxtails” are grasses known for their invasive nature and barbed seeds that can pose a danger to pets, particularly dogs. 

Many dog owners have been reaching out to us asking the same questions: 

What are we doing about “foxtails”? Are they Noxious Weeds? Can more be done? 

Let’s talk about it. 

What are “foxtail” grasses?

When we say “foxtails”, we’re talking about a group of several different species of grasses. The “foxtail” grouping is not an official/botanical grouping (hence the quotation marks around its name), but rather a common umbrella name for these grasses that have foxtail-shaped seed heads compromised of long barbed seeds that are known for embedding themselves wherever they can take hold (clothes, fur, skin, nostrils, etc.). 

“Foxtails” can grow in a variety of places, but are often found in dry, sunny patches of dirt (i.e. along sidewalks, open fields, lawns, dog parks). Their seeds are spread usually by accident via people and pets. These species can be either native or introduced to Washington state. 

Impact of “foxtail” grasses

While “foxtails” have environmental impacts, the largest concern we find with many of these species are their health impacts on pets, livestock, and wildlife. 

Foxtails are characterized by their long, barbed seeds (awns). These seeds have evolved to spread themselves by latching onto anything they come into contact with. 

Most of the species that have led to emergency vet visits have a similar seed form. The small seed clusters are arrowhead shaped. The sharp pointed end easily punctures skin or clothing, velcro-like barbs that point away from the tip pull the seeds deeper with every movement, and the flared base traps the seed – making it hard to dislodge. Watch this 1 minute video posted by the Bunbury Vet Clinic demonstrating how “foxtail” grass seeds burrow (no Facebook? Skip the login): This video is amazing! It shows just how quickly a grass seed can get into your pet’s paw. | Bunbury Vet Clinic | Facebook 

“Foxtails” and dogs

Dogs often fall victim to these seeds with their curious noses and unprotected paws and ears. This is why it’s important to stay aware when walking your precious pup through tall grasses. By getting familiar with “foxtails”, you can prevent contact by avoiding areas where they grow. If you realize too late you’ve walked through a seedy area, check your pet for seeds and remove them before moving on. Learn what actions you can take to reduce the impact and abundance of “foxtails” in the “What can I do? Take action!” section below.

What foxtail injury looks like in dogs and what to do about it 

We’ll leave that answer to the (animal) pros. Check out this incredibly helpful write up veterinarian Dr. Jessica Harris who lives and works in prime foxtail country:   Why Foxtails + Dogs = Danger  

More guidance for dog owners from Whole Dog Journal: Foxtail Grass: Awns of Destruction for Western Dogs – Whole Dog Journal 

Legal status of “foxtails” in Washington state

At the time of this writing (2025) only 3 species of “foxtails” are listed as Noxious Weeds: Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides), Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), and Ventenata (Ventenata dubia). None of which have been documented to be of the most concerning species for pets, but do all have impacts on agriculture and native plant communities.

What is a Noxious Weed?

In Washington state, Noxious Weeds are plants that are on the official state Noxious Weed List. Not all Noxious Weeds require control—only those that are less widespread and pose a preventable threat.  

Each listed plant goes through a formal review confirming it’s not native to Washington state, is invasive (spreads opportunistically), harmful, and hard to control. Learn more in our 2023 blog post. 

“Foxtails” include both native and non-native species.  

Qualifying “foxtails” could be proposed to be listed as a Noxious Weed at any time. 

So why hasn’t it happened yet? 

There are dozens of “foxtail” species, many look similar to one another. Proposing a Noxious Weed takes great effort. Each individual species needs to be researched and advocated for. Even the strongest advocates for “foxtail” control struggle with the question of “which species do we prioritize listing?” 

To help answer this question, two of our Program staff created an iNaturalist project that tracks 49 species of native and non-native “foxtails” in the PNW, Northern California, & Alaska. Anytime someone posts an observation of these specific species into iNaturalist, it shows up in our project. As this data builds, we’re able to get a clearer picture on which species we’re seeing most: “Foxtail” Grasses Project · iNaturalist 

But until a listing happens, it’s important to remember that the weed list is just a prioritization tool, it is not the entire rule. There are plenty of plants not on the weed list that we can prioritize for community needs. 

Interested in listing a “foxtail” species? Check out our considerations in the “Learn more about the Noxious Weed listing…” section towards the bottom of this post.

“Foxtail” species of interest 

The following species are “foxtails” known to cause issues for pets & wildlife, in order of how common they are in our region. We began by listing foxtails known to pose problems for animals in Washington state, then cross-referenced this with data from our iNaturalist project to identify the most prevalent species locally. All but one of the plants shown are introduced species; foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum) is native. 

Click on any photo to open that specie’s iNaturalist page – learn what it looks like through the seasons! 

What can I do? Take action!

Control “foxtails” on your property 

“Foxtails” are grasses. The most targeted method will be to dig up the plants. Mowing may suppress seed heads, but like most grasses, will not die from repetitive mowing. Mowing or line-trimming seeding plants can actually spread the seeds and increase the risk for pets to pick them up. Many species will adapt to mowing and start growing lower to the ground, making future controls more difficult. Non-selective herbicides can be effective but require proper timing and early (pre-seed) grass identification.

Wear appropriate protective gear – start on the edges of the infest and move towards the densest parts. Plan for a few years of follow up controls as the population declines. Reseed/plant the area to create competition. 

Dig ‘em out, bag ‘em up, follow up  

• Wearing gloves, carefully dig out each plant – get as much of the root as possible. 
• Throw dug up plants in a bag, put them in the garbage (not compost/yard waste, may not get hot enough to kill seeds). 
• Dig out new plants as they pop up or plan for a follow up maintenance day 6 months from the initial control date. 
• Don’t leave a blank canvas! In non-grassy areas, opt to lay down mulch and replant with non-invasive plants of your choice. In grassy areas, re-seed with grass and lay additional soil as needed. 

Chemical options – herbicides 

• Timing is key – apply herbicides labeled to kill grasses before seed heads form (early season flowers ok). After seeds have formed many of the species will die back naturally, making the chemical application pointless. This requires you to learn how to identify the plant before it forms their distinguishable seed heads. 
• Because these plants are grasses, “broadleaf” or “lawn safe” herbicides DO NOT work. You must use a non-selective herbicide (i.e. glyphosate). This will kill or injure any plants it touches, always follow the label and apply with care. For specific chemical recommendations, check out the sources below.
• Like the non-chemical option above, plan for follow up and replanting/seeding in accordance with the label.

More RESOURCES ON “foxtail” control 

• Controlling foxtails in pastures and hayground: Foxtail control in pastures and hayground | OSU Extension Service 
• Controlling Mediterranean and hare barely (Hordeum marinum & murinum): Weed Control Handbook 
• Controlling foxtail barely (Hordeum jubatum): Weed Control Handbook 

What about other peoples property? 

Talk to them about it! They are not obligated to control “foxtails” on their property, but they can volunteer to do it if they know why it’s important. Assume they aren’t aware of the issue and offer guidance on how to take care of it.

Educate others about “foxtails” 

Share this post and what you’ve learned with those who you think need to know about “foxtails”!  

Print and share this flyer that a passionate member of the public sent us! Share it with your vets, post them (where allowed) near patches of “foxtail”, and keep one nearby as a handy reminder:

Post observations of “foxtails” on iNaturalist 

Take clear photos of the plants when you see them. Post these photos on iNaturalist! The app will suggest which species it is using AI, and if it can’t determine it, experts on the app can hop in and provide further guidance.  

Join the iNaturalist “foxtails” Project here

“Foxtail” observations posted in the PNW, Northern CA, & Alaska will automatically show up on our project page and give us more data on what species should be considered for listing. 

Learn more about the Noxious Weed listing process (Washington residents) 

Interested in getting a “foxtail” species listed? Consider which species are most impactful, how widespread they are, selective control considerations, etc. Reach out to others in your community, gather testimonies, and in January – April you can propose a species to be added to the Noxious Weed List. 

What impact could listing have? Realistically, the most impactful “foxtails” are too abundant to be considered for total or even regional regulation (control requirements). Petitioners could consider proposing for specific selective control requirements, i.e. “control required within 100 ft of an off-leash dog park”, but it would be up to the state weed committees and board to decide on the specifics. That said, regulated or not, listing any species as a Noxious Weed allows for more education opportunities, the list acts as a tool for many land managers and would encourage its control.

• Learn more about the listing process in our blog post here: Noxious Weeds & Prohibited Plants: a Listing Guide  

Conclusion 

“Foxtails” are concerning for pets, livestock, and wildlife. But because the grouping includes a mix of plants that do and do not qualify as Noxious Weeds, they are not yet on the official list. That said, this shouldn’t stop you from controlling them on your property or encouraging other land owners to do the same. Share this post with those you think would benefit and thank you for taking time to care. The planet and our pets thank you. 

Happy weeding!