Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureus'
grass

Meadow Foxtail Grass

Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureus'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

24 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureus' is a perennial grass featuring dense, tufted clumps with bright golden-yellow foliage that creates a striking visual contrast in the landscape, and produces slender, spike-like flower heads. This cultivar is valued for its vivid, golden-yellow coloration throughout the growing season, making it an excellent choice for brightening borders and adding texture to ornamental grass plantings.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds lush, grassy texture and movement to gardens, especially in naturalistic landscapes.
Practical UsesExcellent for erosion control and soil stabilization on slopes.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat and food for pollinators and birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into prepared soil, press lightly, and water gently.
  2. Maintain consistent moisture for germination over 2-3 weeks.
  3. Transplant seedlings when they are 3 inches tall, after 6 weeks.
  4. Space plants 12 inches apart for optimal growth.
  5. Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pro Tip

Ensure well-drained soil and full sun for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Cut back in late winter to encourage fresh growth
  • Divide every 3-4 years to prevent overgrowth

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen in late season
  • Refrain from heavy pruning during flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Wildflower meadowNaturalized borderGrassy groundcover

Companion Plants

Echinacea Rudbeckia Little Bluestem Switchgrass Joe Pye Weed

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Meadow Foxtail Grass questions

What zones can Meadow Foxtail Grass grow in?

Meadow Foxtail Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Meadow Foxtail Grass deer resistant?

Yes β€” Meadow Foxtail Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Meadow Foxtail Grass bloom?

Meadow Foxtail Grass typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone β€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Meadow Foxtail Grass need full sun?

Meadow Foxtail Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Meadow Foxtail Grass with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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