Cretan Meadow Foxtail: A Rare Mediterranean Grass in American Gardens
If you’ve stumbled across the name Cretan meadow foxtail (Alopecurus creticus), you’re probably wondering what this mysterious little grass is all about. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it before – you’re definitely not alone! This annual grass is one of those botanical curiosities that pops up in plant databases but rarely makes it into garden centers or landscape designs.
What Exactly Is Cretan Meadow Foxtail?
Cretan meadow foxtail is a small annual grass that belongs to the foxtail family. As its name suggests, this grass originally hails from the Mediterranean region, particularly the island of Crete. Like other foxtail grasses, it’s characterized by its distinctive seed heads that somewhat resemble a fox’s bushy tail – though you’d need a pretty good imagination to see the resemblance!
This graminoid (that’s botanist-speak for grass-like plant) is what we call a non-native species in the United States. It’s been introduced and can reproduce on its own in the wild, though it’s only been documented growing in Pennsylvania so far.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While Cretan meadow foxtail isn’t listed as invasive or particularly problematic, there’s very little information available about growing it successfully in American gardens. This makes it something of a gardening wildcard – you might have success with it, or you might find it finicky and unpredictable.
The grass appears to have minimal ornamental value compared to many of our spectacular native grasses. Since it’s an annual, you’d need to replant it each year or hope it self-seeds reliably in your garden conditions.
Growing Conditions and Care
Based on its Mediterranean origins, Cretan meadow foxtail likely prefers:
- Well-drained soils
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moderate water during growing season
- USDA hardiness zones 7-10 (estimated)
However, since detailed cultivation information is scarce, growing this grass would be somewhat experimental. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, so you’d be starting fresh each year.
Wildlife and Pollinator Value
Like most grasses, Cretan meadow foxtail is wind-pollinated rather than insect-pollinated, so it won’t attract bees and butterflies to your garden. Its wildlife benefits in North American ecosystems are largely unknown and likely minimal compared to native alternatives.
Better Alternatives: Native Grasses Worth Considering
Instead of taking a chance on this uncommon Mediterranean grass, consider these fantastic native alternatives that will give you much more bang for your gardening buck:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – Beautiful fall color and excellent wildlife habitat
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides) – Great for naturalized areas and low-maintenance lawns
- Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) – Perfect for Pennsylvania gardens and shade tolerance
- Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) – Fragrant and gorgeous in mass plantings
The Bottom Line
While Cretan meadow foxtail might intrigue plant collectors and botanical enthusiasts, it’s not the most practical choice for most gardeners. With limited cultivation information, minimal ornamental value, and unknown long-term behavior in North American ecosystems, you’re probably better off choosing one of our many spectacular native grasses instead.
If you’re drawn to Mediterranean plants, consider creating a dedicated Mediterranean garden section with better-documented species, or explore the wonderful world of native grasses that are perfectly adapted to your local conditions. Your garden – and local wildlife – will thank you for it!
