Eastern Forest Threat Center - Japanese Bristlegrass

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Japanese bristlegrass plants

Japanese bristlegrass plants

John Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org

Japanese Bristlegrass
Setaria faberi

Japanese bristlegrass is native to Asia.

Keywords: Poaceae, annual, monocot; Common names: Chinese foxtail, Chinese millet, giant bristlegrass, giant foxtail, nodding foxtail, tall green bristlegrass

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Japanese bristlegrass is an annual monocot in the grass family growing 2 to 4 ft. tall. Stems are weak and drop onto other vegetation for support. Leaves are flat, linear, and covered with short hairs on the upper surface. The elongated, compound flower cluster (panicle) is dense, cylindrical, 3 to 8 in. long, and bending near the base with a drooping head. Three to six bristles extend from the base of each spikelet. Japanese bristlegrass reproduces by seeds that are greenish and about 1/16 in. long. Roots are fibrous and shallow. Japanese bristlegrass grows best in fertile sandy soils and is found in cultivated crops, waste areas, roadsides, fields, pastures, and woods edges. It competes with other vegetation and reduces yields in many crops. In burned prairie areas, it can become a serious pest, frequently forming monoculture pockets.