Alopecurus myosuroides
black twitch
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
Other common names
hunger grasslamb's tail grass
see moreland grass
mouse-tail grass
slender foxtail
black grass
Synonyms
Alopecurus agrestisSize
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- 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 grass 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.