Foxtails are present in New Jersey in several species. Yellow foxtail (S. lutescens) is often present along roadsides while giant foxtail (S. faberii), is a weed of cultivated fields. The seed head is composed of dense bristles which make the genus easy to recognize. The yellow foxtail has yellow bristles while those of giant foxtail are brown. There is a green foxtail but it is scarce in New Jersey.
Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension