Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail CCC DD N
This is one of the grasses I remember from childhood. I remember the stems being taller than I was and covered in different coloured "fur". The fur was the anthers which can be yellow turning brownish or purple to dark purple and this variation can be present in the same patch of grass. On the left is the grass as it appears before it matures. The middle photo shows the ripe anthers and the right hand side photo after the anthers have released their pollen (dehiscence) to waft into the noses of hay fever sufferers.
This grass is found throughout the British Isles.
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Helsby verges, Cheshire 12th May 2005
Added on 13th May 2005, updated 22nd June 2008, updated 26th Feb 2010, updated 30th March 2013