Foxtail - Image from City of Lethbridge

By Connor Gunn

City warning residents of foxtail in Lethbridge parks and river valley

Jul 31, 2021 | 8:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is warning residents about Foxtail Barley.

The perennial grass can be noxious and dangerous to pets and can grow across the local region.

City staff remove Foxtail on public property and work with property owners to control it, particularly in vacant lots.

The city says pet safety is a priority and gives out warnings each year, noting, “Foxtail usually matures in mid-summer forming barbed seed heads.”

“These can become extremely dangerous to dogs and other animals as they can get lodged in the skin, mouth, nose, and eyes. If a dog digests these barbed seed heads, they can cause serious illness or even death.”

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

You can protect your pet by:

• Avoiding areas where Foxtail and other weeds are growing
• If you must go in these areas, keep your dog on a leash at all times
• Trim the hair between your dog’s toes, around ears and their belly
• Check their coat for Foxtail and brush your dog after being outdoors
• Use a netted muzzle

The city gave an explanation on how to control Foxtail, explaining that it is not a plant that is designated by legislation as noxious weed and therefore, weed notices are not issues specifically for it.

However, they do most often grow in areas where noxious weeds are found. Complaints of Foxtail are typically addressed as a non-targeted plant where noxious weeds are found.

There are several ways to address the grass, including:

• Picking/Tilling – Foxtail has short fibrous roots and can be effectively picked or tilled.
• Mowing – Mowing should be done before the seeds set – usually May-June. After seeds have developed, mowing, bagging, and disposing of seeds heads would be required.
• Herbicides – spraying Foxtail with herbicide is also an effective treatment. Consult with your local garden centre for more information and recommendations.

For more information on foxtail, go to lethbridge.ca/foxtail.