22 



WEED FLORA OF IOWA 



Fig. 9-A. Distribution of Green Foxtail. 

 FRESH AIR DRY MATERIAL 



Bristly Foxtail (Setaria verticillata (L.) Beauv.). 



Description. — An annual from l-2 1 /2 ft. high with leaves from 

 2-7 in. long, somewhat narrower than in the preceding, from *4-% 

 in. wide; sheaths smooth, rough on the margins and veins; spike 

 cylindrical, from lAy 2 or 5 in. long, composed of short cylindrical 

 clusters; bristles short, a little longer than the spike, single or in 

 pairs, barbed downward; seeds small, greenish, % line long, 

 minutely cross-striated and wrinkled. 



Distribution. — This European grass is more common eastward 

 and southeastward. It is of comparatively recent introduction into 

 Iowa, being most abundant in the southeastern part, though also 

 occurring at such points as Marshalltown, Ames, Sioux City and 

 Council Bluffs. It is found in gardens and in the streets. 



Extermination. — The foxtails are annuals and hence it ought to 

 be an easy matter to destroy them. They produce an enormous 

 amount of seed. Mr. G. M. Lummis estimated that a good sized 

 plant of Setaria viridis had 2,500 to 5,000 seeds, and Setaria glauca 

 1,000 to 5,000 ; this being the progeny of a single seed. 



