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Alopecurus myosuroides

black grass

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
black twitch
hunger grass
see morelamb's tail grass
land grass
mouse-tail grass
slender foxtail
cynffonwellt du
Synonyms
Alopecurus agrestis

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
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 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

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