Alopecurus myosuroides

RHS Plant Profile
black grass

Other common names

black twitch, hunger grass, lamb's tail grass, land grass, mouse-tail grass, slender foxtail, cynffonwellt du

Synonyms

Alopecurus agrestis

Grass Like

An annual grass forming tufts to 80cm tall with narrow, rough-textured leaves up to 16cm long and yellow-green spikelets to 12cm long in summer. Generally considered as a weed in the UK

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Alopecurus can be annual or perennial grasses, forming a clump of linear leaves, with erect stems bearing dense, spike-like panicles of small flowers in late spring and summer
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in any moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Considered a weed in the UK. See coarse grasses in lawns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust