Overview
Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv. var. ambigua (Guss.) Parl., also known as bristly foxtail, is a plant species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is an annual grass species that commonly grows in disturbed areas like roadsides, cultivated fields, and construction sites.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as bristly foxtail and wild foxtail.
Origin and distribution
Setaria verticillata var. ambigua is native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. It has now spread to other regions of the world, including North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. In North America, it is primarily found in the eastern part of the continent.
General appearance
Bristly foxtail can grow up to 5 feet tall and has a basal rosette of leaves that are 2-12 inches long and 0.2-0.8 inches wide. The stem is usually erect, and the leaf sheaths are hairy. The seed head is bristly, and it resembles the tail of a fox, hence the name "bristly foxtail." The seeds are enclosed in spikelets that are arranged in panicles, and they are roughly 3-5 mm long.
Uses
Bristly foxtail has some medicinal uses in China, where it is used to help relieve coughs and reduce inflammation. However, it is considered a weed in most parts of the world, as it can reduce crop yields and cause problems for livestock by getting lodged in their eyes, ears, and noses. It has also been known to cause respiratory problems in humans who inhale its dust.
Light Requirements
Setaria verticillata var. ambigua requires full or partial sunlight for optimal growth and survival. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will reduce its growth rate and overall performance.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to grow in warm and temperate climates. It can tolerate a wide temperature range, from 5°C to 35°C, but its growth is optimal between 20°C and 30°C. It can survive short periods of frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill it.
Soil Requirements
Setaria verticillata var. ambigua can grow in a wide variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. It prefers well-drained soils, but it can also tolerate poorly drained soils with a high water table. It can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It requires moderate soil fertility and can benefit from occasional fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation Methods
Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv. var. ambigua (Guss.) Parl. is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for gardeners. It prefers a well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level of 6.0-7.5. The plant should be grown in full sun to partial shade, as excessive shade can cause its growth to become stunted. Seeds should be planted about 1-2 inches deep in the soil, with a spacing of at least 12 inches between plants.
Watering Needs
Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv. var. ambigua (Guss.) Parl. requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. It is best to water the plant in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and minimize water stress on the plant.
Fertilization
Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv. var. ambigua (Guss.) Parl. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, from spring through early fall. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv. var. ambigua (Guss.) Parl. requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as possible to promote healthy growth. You can also trim back overgrown branches to maintain the plant's shape and size. It is best to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Setaria verticillata var. ambigua
Setaria verticillata var. ambigua can be propagated through seeds or division of established plants. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used to propagate Setaria verticillata var. ambigua. The seeds of this plant can be collected from the dried flowers or purchased from a seed supplier. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings have a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by seeds is advantageous because it allows for the production of large numbers of plants at a relatively low cost. However, germination rates can be unpredictable, and some seeds may not germinate at all. In addition, it may take several months for the plants to reach maturity and begin producing seeds.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division of established plants is another method used to propagate Setaria verticillata var. ambigua. This method involves dividing an established plant into several smaller pieces, each of which can then be planted in its own pot or directly into the garden. Division is typically done in the spring or fall, when the plant is dormant or actively growing.
Propagation by division is advantageous because it allows for the rapid propagation of large, established plants. In addition, the resulting plants are genetically identical to the parent plant, ensuring desirable traits are passed on to the new plants. However, division can be traumatic for the plant, and it may take some time for the divided plant to recover and begin growing again.
Disease Management for Setaria verticillata var. ambigua
Several fungal diseases can affect the growth and development of Setaria verticillata var. ambigua. These diseases include:
- Rust: This disease can cause yellow or orange pustules on the leaves, stems, and inflorescences of the plant. Rust can be managed by removing infected plant parts and applying a fungicide to protect healthy tissue.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot can cause small, dark spots on the leaves that eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, it's important to remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause necrosis and death of the leaves and stems. Anthracnose can be managed by removing infected plant parts and using a fungicide to protect healthy tissue.
Pest Management for Setaria verticillata var. ambigua
Several insect pests can damage Setaria verticillata var. ambigua. These pests include:
- Armyworms: These caterpillars can cause significant damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. Armyworms can be managed by handpicking them off the plant and using an insecticide if necessary.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are another type of caterpillar that can damage the plant by cutting it off at the base. To manage cutworms, create a barrier around the plant with a collar made of cardboard or another material.
- Grasshoppers: These pests can eat large quantities of plant material, causing significant damage to Setaria verticillata var. ambigua. Grasshoppers can be managed with traps or by using an insecticide.
