Yellow foxtail forms a coarse, upright or prostrate, bunch-type grass. It usually branches at the base and may root at lower nodes. Growing up to 4 feet tall, yellow foxtail emerges from a shallow, fibrous root system and normally has flattened stems that are reddish near the base. L eaves of yellow foxtail are flat, smooth, and with margins that are somewhat rough. They grow 2 to 12 inches long and up to 1/2 inch wide. Twisted or spiraled pubescents, 1/8 inch long, usually appear near the base on the upper surface. The sheath is flattened with a prominent midvein. The flowers are cylindrical, dense, bristly, and erect. They are 2 to 5 inches long, yellow, spike-like, and appear June to September. Yellow foxtail occurs in moist, fertile soil during the mid to late growing season and is often found in new seedings, open turf, or bare spots.