Foxtail (diaspore)

Foxtail (diaspore)

A foxtail is a spikelet or spikelet cluster of a grass, that serves to disperse its seeds as a unit. Thus, the foxtail is a type of diaspore or plant dispersal unit. Some grasses that produce a foxtail are themselves called "foxtail", also "spear grass". They can become a health hazard for dogs and other domestic animals, and a nuisance for people.