5Ws+1H: What It's About: Foxtail can be hazardous to animals

May 21—A fairly common plant known as foxtail, while small and inconspicuous, can cause painful internal and external issues for livestock and pets.

Sherry Clark, Cherokee County OSU Cooperative Extension Office agriculture educator, said the plant can be identified by its namesake, as the bushy group of spiked seeds looks like the tail of a fox when green.

"But they become hard and almost needle-like when they dry," Clark said.

Clark said most of the types of foxtail grass are not considered invasive, with birds, insects, and rodents often feeding on the seeds. There are three different types of foxtails, with the green foxtail considered invasive in North America.

Horses are a common victim of the pain from foxtails, as the plant can accidentally be baled or just in a pasture unbeknownst to the owner. Animals that try to ingest foxtails are met with the barb-like seed, which can cause trauma and injuries to the inside of their mouthd.

Clark said dogs can also be impacted by foxtails, either through accidental ingestion, or by getting cuts or when the seeds attach to the outside of their body.

"It is mildly poisonous to both humans and pets if they were to swallow small amounts of it, and if your skin comes in contact with it, it could cause minor irritations," Clark said.

Animals being impacted by the plant should be taken to a vet to remove the seeds and to determine if medication is needed for lesions and potential infections.

The plant can be found in gardens, roadside ditches, pastures, and other disturbed areas, and grows well in wet or boggy areas with damp soil, Clark said.

Foxtails can be killed through certain herbicides. Clark advises reading the label on the herbicide to ensure it is safe to apply and to know the proper dosage.

For small patches near a home, white vinegar in a spray bottle can help kill the plant. Clark said the plants can be mowed down, but that could easily spread the seeds, making the problem worse.