Ovate Foxtail
Scientific Name: Alopecurus rendlei Eig
Family: Poaceae
MORPHOLOGY
Growth habit and size: Annual herbaceous plant, 20 to 60 cm tall.
Stems: Erect and bushy stems.
Leaves: Lanceolate and flat leaves with parallel veins, 2-3 mm wide blades, short ligules, 5-15 cm long. The sheath of the upper leaves is swollen.
Flowers: The inflorescence consists of elongated, dense, cylindrical terminal spikes, bearing greenish-yellow hermaphroditic flowers. The flowers are small and clustered in spikelets, each containing numerous flowers. Blooms from March to June.
Fruits and seeds: After pollination, the flowers produce small, brown achene-like fruits.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Widespread throughout Italy except for Val d’Aosta. Commonly found in wet meadows, from 0 to 1,000 m.
USES
In some regions, it is used as fodder for livestock.
Photo: Under free license from Saxifraga and Jasenka Topic, Rutger Barendse
