Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureus'

Sunset

Zones 2-10, 14-17, 21-24

Full, Partial

Moderate

Foxtail Grass
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Ground covers, Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants

Golden-variegated selection of a cool-season grass. Smaller and less vigorous than plain (green-leafed) species. To 1 ft. high; spreads slowly to form mats 1 1/2 ft. wide. Translucent foliage is chartreuse.

When flower spikes form in midspring, shear them off to keep foliage attractive longer (as summer heat pushes it toward dormancy) and to prevent the appearance of volunteer seedlings, which would be green leafed. Fresh new growth resumes in fall and persists until the first hard freeze.

Dislikes drought, excessive moisture, and extremes of heat. Good for border, rock garden, ground cover. Divide every 2 or 3 years in spring or fall.