Alopecurus myosuroides aka Black Twitch

Alopecurus myosuroides is a tufted grass in the Poaceae family. Its common names include black grass and slender foxtail. Other names include mouse-tail grass, hunger grass, and black twitch. Its native range spans western Europe, the Mediterranean, and central Asia. It is native to Britain and Ireland and grows in temperate regions. Kew records an annual or biennial life cycle. The RHS describes it as an annual.

Plants form tufts rather than a woody frame. The RHS gives a height range of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Its shorter description places the tufts at about 2.6 feet [0.8 metres]. The listed spread is 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Narrow leaves have a rough feel. They reach about 0.5 feet [0.16 metres] in length. The foliage is deciduous, so it does not stay green year-round. These slim leaves make up the grass's tufted form.

Yellow-green spikelets appear in summer. The RHS gives their length as up to 0.4 feet [0.12 metres]. These flower structures stand out against the narrow leaves. Seed is the stated means of propagation. The supplied account does not describe the fruit in detail. It also gives no evidence for edible parts or medicinal uses. Nor does it establish whether the plant is safe to eat. Its listing as ground cover should not imply food value.

This grass grows in full sun or partial shade. It suits fertile soil that holds some moisture but drains well. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Both open and sheltered sites fall within its listed growing conditions. The RHS lists all four main aspects as suitable. Its H6 rating indicates hardiness across Britain and northern Europe. That rating covers winter lows of about −20 to −15°C.

The RHS lists ground cover as a possible garden use. It also places the plant among low-maintenance choices. Yet it regards this species as a weed in Britain. That status matters when weighing its place in a garden. No pruning is needed, and pests are not usually a concern. Rust can affect it, despite the lack of major pest problems.