Setaria verticillata aka Bristle Pigeon Grass

Taxonomy

Genus Setaria Family Poaceae Order Poales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Setaria verticillata, also known as hooked bristlegrass, rough bristle-grass, and bristly foxtail, is a hardy bunchgrass that is native to Europe but has become an introduced species and noxious weed on most continents. It grows up to a meter long with decumbent or erect stems and leaf blades up to 25 centimeters long with a long sheath around the stem. The inflorescence is a dense panicle up to 15 centimeters long that tapers at both ends and contains many small spikelets and bristles. These bristles have tiny backwards-pointing barbs that help them hook onto clothing or animal fur, facilitating their dispersal. Setaria verticillata is a weed of many types of agricultural crops, growing in vineyards and fields, and herbicide-resistant strains have been noted. It is imperative to remove the plant from the area if there is any evidence of flowering, as seeds can mature even if the plant itself is killed. While seeds of the plant have been used as a famine food in India and to make beer in South Africa and porridge in Namibia, the plant might be poisonous. Hooked Bristlegrass is also a rare houseplant that needs regular watering and direct light, less than a foot from a window, and likes well-draining soil supplemented with a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.

Common names

Bristle Pigeon Grass, Bristly Foxtail, Bur Bristle Grass

How to care for Bristle Pigeon Grass

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Bristle Pigeon Grass is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Bristle Pigeon Grass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bristle Pigeon Grass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bristle Pigeon Grass requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Bristly Foxtail is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Setaria Genus

Setaria viridis Green Bristle Grass

Setaria verticillata Bristle Pigeon Grass

Setaria italica Dwarf Setaria

Setaria palmifolia Broadleaved Bristlegrass

Setaria megaphylla Bigleaf Bristlegrass

Setaria incrassata

Setaria scheelei Southwestern Bristle Grass

Setaria leucopila Plains Bristlegrass

Setaria helvola Yellow Foxtail

Setaria sphacelata African Bristlegrass