This weed is a C4 plant. The stems are erect and 4.5 cm - 1 m tall. Plants may consist of many tillers causing the base to be highly branched. Leaf blades are smooth, 4-10 mm wide to 30 cm long, with long hairs at the base and margin surface. The ligule is a fringe of ciliated hairs joined at the base, to 3 mm high.
Yellow foxtail grows in row crops, small grain crops and prefers warmer regions.
Scouting Techniques Take a minimum of 20 weed counts across the field. Check roadsides, gardens, fields, and waste areas for patches of this weed. This weed is a problem in spring seeded alfalfa stands, forage legumes, and grain crops.