Foxtail Barley is a distinctive native cool-season grass with narrow leaves and attractive, long, bristly seed heads that resemble a fox's tail. The seed heads often have a pinkish, purplish, or reddish tint when young and turn straw-coloured as they mature. It is a short-lived perennial or sometimes annual/biennial grass that readily establishes from seed. It is generally tolerant of difficult soils. It can self-seed readily, particularly where soil is disturbed. its awns can become particularly problematic for dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife if they become embedded in fur, skin, eyes, ears, or mouths. For this reason, it is not a good choice beside paths, play areas, dog runs, or livestock areas. It can be useful in a naturalized or restoration planting where its distinctive seed heads are desirable and the site is away from people and animals.